Air traffic control shortages add to U.S. flight delays

The Federal Aviation Administration warned on Wednesday that a shortage of air traffic controllers could delay more flights as concerns grow about the impact of the government shutdown on U.S. aviation.

Nearly 10,000 flights were delayed on Monday and Tuesday, but on Wednesday the number of disruptions dropped to just over 1,900. An already small shortage of air traffic control personnel this week has caused the FAA to slow or halt arrivals in Burbank, California, and Nashville, Tennessee, among others.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Monday that the FAA was seeing a “slight increase” in sick calls from air traffic controllers.

The closure raises concerns about the pressure on air traffic controllers that have vexed airline executives for years.

“Nearly 11,000 fully certified controllers remain on the job, many working 10-hour shifts up to six days a week, and demonstrating extraordinary dedication to safely guide millions of passengers to their destinations — all without being paid during this shutdown,” the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the air traffic controllers union, said in a statement. he said.

Earlier Wednesday, the FAA warned that staffing could be triggered at Newark Liberty International Airport, but that warning was lifted in the afternoon. There were no flight delays in Newark.

The government shutdown continued into its eighth day Wednesday as the Senate again failed to pass a funding proposal.

During the shutdown, “essential” employees such as air traffic controllers and TSA agents continued to work without pay, while many other employees were furloughed.

The more than month-long shutdown that began in late 2018 ended early the next year, hours after a shortage of air traffic controllers disrupted air travel in New York.