US Shutdown Causes Widespread Flight Delays

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed late Thursday that ongoing staffing shortages among air traffic controllers have caused significant travel delays across major US airports, including New York, Washington, Newark, and Houston.

The disruption continues as the government shutdown enters its 23rd day, marking one of the longest in the nation’s history.

According to the FAA, personnel shortages have been reported at ten different locations, forcing temporary ground stops at Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, average flight delays reached 31 minutes, while New York’s LaGuardia Airport saw average delays of up to 62 minutes.

Despite the shutdown, approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are still required to work without pay.

Data from flight-tracking website FlightAware revealed that more than 4,200 flights were delayed across the United States on Thursday alone.

Federal officials have expressed concern that absenteeism among air traffic controllers could increase over the weekend, worsening the travel chaos. By Tuesday, controllers will have officially missed their first full paycheck since the shutdown began.

Democratic leaders have rejected accusations that they are responsible for the ongoing shutdown, arguing that President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers are refusing to negotiate a solution.