Air Travel Chaos: Shutdown Exacerbates FAA Staffing Crisis

Nearly 50% of the busiest U.S. airports face severe air traffic controller shortages, causing significant nationwide flight delays amid a prolonged government shutdown. New York is among the hardest hit, with 80% of its controllers absent. The shutdown's impact echoes the 2019 crisis that disrupted U.S. aviation.

As the U.S. government shutdown extends into its 31st day, nearly half of the nation's busiest airports are experiencing critical shortages of air traffic controllers. This has led to significant flight delays across the country, the Federal Aviation Administration revealed on Friday.

The situation is particularly dire in New York, where 80% of air traffic controllers are absent, resulting in cascading delays at airports in Austin, Newark, and Nashville. The delays average 61 minutes in Nashville, 50 minutes in Austin, and a staggering 101 minutes in Newark.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy anticipates further disruptions, warning of potential delays in the coming days as the temporary funding bill remains stalled in Congress. Airlines are appealing for urgent government intervention, citing aviation safety concerns and echoing the disruptions seen during the 2019 government shutdown.

(With inputs from agencies.)