Federal Shutdown Amplifies Flight Delays Across U.S. Airports

Sat Oct 11 2025 01:27:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the federal government shutdown extends into its seventh day, staffing shortages lead to increased flight delays in U.S. airports, raising concerns about the impact on upcoming holiday travel.

The ongoing federal government shutdown has resulted in significant staffing shortages affecting flight operations across major U.S. airports. Air traffic controllers and TSA workers are feeling the strain, with reports of increased callouts and delays. According to experts, prolonged shutdown could disrupt holiday travel plans. Aviation unions are urging for immediate action to resolve the situation.

Staffing shortages led to more flight delays at airports across the U.S. on Tuesday as the federal government shutdown stretched into its seventh day, while union leaders for air traffic controllers and airport security screeners warned that the situation was likely to worsen.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing issues at airports in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as at its air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The agency temporarily slowed takeoffs for planes headed to the first three cities.

On Monday, flight disruptions were correlated with insufficient staffing during the shutdown, which began on October 1. The FAA also indicated issues at airports in Burbank, California; Newark, New Jersey; and Denver.

Despite these traffic snags, around 92% of over 23,600 flights departing from U.S. airports as of Tuesday afternoon managed to take off on time, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

However, the risk of broader impacts to the U.S. aviation system “is growing by the day,” according to travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt, as federal workers whose jobs are deemed critical continue to work without pay. He noted that the longer the shutdown drags on, the more likely it is to disrupt holiday travel plans in November.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned an uptick in air traffic controllers calling out sick at some locations. When there aren't enough controllers, the FAA must reduce the number of takeoffs and landings to maintain safety, leading to flight delays and potential cancellations.

“I’m gravely concerned that if the government remains shut down, it could disrupt, and possibly ruin, millions of Americans’ Thanksgiving holidays,” said Harteveldt.

That concern is echoed by air traffic controllers and TSA agents who have voiced anxiety about financial struggles as they prepare for a payday without paychecks. Unions representing these workers have amplified their calls for a resolution to the shutdown.

In the meantime, efforts are being mobilized at various airports to support federal workers. Tampa International Airport, for instance, initiated "Operation Bald Eagle 2," designed to provide resources and assistance for roughly 1,100 federal employees working without pay.

As the shutdown continues to exert pressure on air travel, it remains crucial for federal workers to have the support they need to maintain airport operations safely.