Flight operations across the United States were severely hit on October 9, the ninth day of the government shutdown. Staff shortages caused hundreds of delays and cancellations, prompting officials to warn air traffic controllers skipping work of possible dismissal.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air traffic controllers skipping work could be dismissed. He criticised the absent workers as “problem children,” blaming them for worsening the crisis while praising those who continue working without pay during the shutdown.
Duffy said even a small number of absences could trigger massive air disruptions. He noted that while most controllers remain committed, a few missing staff can severely affect air operations across the country, worsening passenger delays and airline backlogs.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has urged its members to keep working, warning that any protests or strikes are illegal. The union reminded employees that participating in job actions could result in termination from federal service.
More than 15,000 flights have faced delays since October 1 due to staffing shortages. The Federal Aviation Administration said major airports including Houston, Dallas, Chicago O’Hare, Nashville, and Newark have been hit, affecting both domestic and international travel operations.
Flight tracking data showed Southwest Airlines delayed over 500 flights and American Airlines more than 400. At Chicago O’Hare alone, over 570 flights were delayed, while Nashville saw disruptions in more than 225 flights amid mounting staff shortages.
Sean Duffy revealed that staffing issues now cause 53% of all flight delays, compared to the usual 5%. The ongoing shutdown has worsened workforce shortages, disrupting air traffic systems across several major airports.
The current air traffic disruption echoes the 2019 US shutdown, when a 35-day funding halt led to widespread absences among controllers and Transportation Security Administration staff, forcing slower air traffic in New York and other major US cities.
