Shutdown‑linked air‑traffic controller shortages cause widespread flight delays
Airports in multiple U.S. cities—including Denver, Newark (N.J.), Chicago O'Hare and Hollywood Burbank—saw significant flight delays after a shortage of air traffic controllers forced the FAA to reduce takeoffs and landings. CBS News analysis and FlightAware tracking show nearly 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed on Monday (with average Burbank delays ~2.5 hours) as NATCA members continued to work without pay during the ongoing federal government shutdown and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed a slight uptick in sick calls among controllers.
Public Safety
Transportation
📌 Key Facts
- Nearly 6,000 U.S. flights delayed on Monday; FlightAware reported more than 600 domestic delays as of Tuesday 9 a.m. EDT
- Hollywood Burbank Airport saw average delays of about 2.5 hours and, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom, had no controllers on duty for a period Monday evening
- NATCA instructed members to keep working during the shutdown; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said TSA/FAA tracked a 'slight tick up' in sick calls that prompted flow reductions