The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a temporary ground stop for flights departing to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Sunday morning, igniting concerns about operational delays at one of the busiest airports in the world. This decision came as a result of a staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic control facility, further complicated by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, during an appearance on Fox News, warned travelers could expect increasing flight delays and cancellations in the days to come. He noted that more air traffic controllers have been calling in sick, a trend driven by the financial pressures exerted by the shutdown.
Duffy revealed that the air traffic control system recorded 22 staffing triggers, marking one of the highest counts since the start of the shutdown. Controllers are wearing thin, he stated, highlighting the impact of work-related stress compounded by financial uncertainty.
The FAA confirmed that planes headed for LAX were placed on hold at their originating airports starting at 11:42 a.m. Eastern time, resulting in delays averaging approximately one hour and 40 minutes. Although the agency projected to lift the ground stop by 1:30 p.m. Eastern time, it cautioned that limitations on traffic might persist.
The staffing shortages have not only affected LAX but also disrupted flight operations at Newark Liberty International Airport and Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, as well as Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, according to FAA reports.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, during an appearance on Fox News, warned travelers could expect increasing flight delays and cancellations in the days to come. He noted that more air traffic controllers have been calling in sick, a trend driven by the financial pressures exerted by the shutdown.
Duffy revealed that the air traffic control system recorded 22 staffing triggers, marking one of the highest counts since the start of the shutdown. Controllers are wearing thin, he stated, highlighting the impact of work-related stress compounded by financial uncertainty.
The FAA confirmed that planes headed for LAX were placed on hold at their originating airports starting at 11:42 a.m. Eastern time, resulting in delays averaging approximately one hour and 40 minutes. Although the agency projected to lift the ground stop by 1:30 p.m. Eastern time, it cautioned that limitations on traffic might persist.
The staffing shortages have not only affected LAX but also disrupted flight operations at Newark Liberty International Airport and Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, as well as Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, according to FAA reports.
