Thousands Of US Flights Delayed As Government Shutdown Strains Airports | World News

More than 4,000 flights were delayed across the U.S. on Monday and about 118 additional flights were canceled as the 27-day government shutdown continues to disrupt air travel.

The delays come at a time when the number of essential workers is increasing at airports and air traffic control towers across the country.

According to FlightAware, more than 8,700 flights were delayed on Sunday alone as staffing shortages continued to mount. Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers work without pay, causing widespread operational difficulties.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted staffing shortages affecting flights in the Southeast and at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

The FAA implemented a ground delay at Los Angeles International Airport that kept flights on the tarmac for an average of 25 minutes.

“They got their notice on Thursday and Friday. They got the notice on Tuesday of how much they were going to be paid. And they got the big heads up on Tuesday that no paychecks were coming,” Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News on Sunday.

Duffy described the stress faced by air traffic controllers.

“I was talking to air traffic controllers and you can see the stress. These are people who are often living paycheck to paycheck… They’re worried about gas in the car, they’re worried about child care,” he added.

The Department for Transport has warned that while flights are resuming, delays and cancellations are expected to continue as the closure extends. Airlines urged passengers to check flight status and prepare for longer wait times at airports.

Experts warn that even after the shutdown ends, the backlog of delayed flights could take time to clear as staff shortages and operational bottlenecks continue to strain the system.

With the federal stalemate showing no immediate signs of resolution, airport hubs across the country are bracing for continued disruption.