Shutdown‑linked air‑traffic controller shortages cause widespread flight delays
Shutdown-linked staffing shortages at air-traffic facilities have caused widespread flight delays across the U.S., with FlightAware reporting more than 3,000 delayed flights as of Tuesday night — including over 570 at Chicago O'Hare and more than 200 at Nashville. The FAA flagged staffing problems at airports in Chicago, Las Vegas, Nashville and Philadelphia and at control centers in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas and Houston, and NATCA said nearly 11,000 certified controllers remain on the job, many working 10‑hour shifts as often as six days a week without pay.
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📌 Key Facts
- Shutdown-linked shortages of air-traffic controllers are causing widespread flight delays.
- FlightAware tally: more than 3,000 flights delayed as of Tuesday night, including over 570 at Chicago O'Hare and over 200 at Nashville International.
- The FAA reported staffing issues at airports in Chicago, Las Vegas, Nashville and Philadelphia and at air-traffic control centers in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas and Houston.
- National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) says nearly 11,000 fully certified controllers remain on the job.
- NATCA reports many controllers are working 10-hour shifts as many as six days a week without pay during the shutdown.
- The combination of unpaid, overworked controllers and staffing shortfalls has produced operational impacts across multiple U.S. airports and control centers.
📰 Sources (2)
Staffing woes see flight delays spread to more U.S. airports amid shutdown
New information:
- FlightAware tally cited: more than 3,000 flights delayed as of Tuesday night, including over 570 at Chicago O'Hare and over 200 at Nashville International
- FAA reported staffing issues at specific additional locations: Chicago, Las Vegas, Nashville and Philadelphia airports and at air‑traffic control centers in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas and Houston
- Direct NATCA detail/quote on workforce: 'Nearly 11,000 fully certified controllers remain on the job' and many are working 10‑hour shifts as many as six days a week without pay during the shutdown