As the Donald Trump-imposed government shutdown entered its sixth day, air travel chaos erupted in California when Burbank Airport’s control tower was left completely unmanned. Flights were delayed for hours after all air traffic controllers called in sick, sparking outrage from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who directly blamed Trump’s shutdown for the crisis. The heated exchange soon escalated online, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy firing back at Newsom in a political war of words.
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Shutdown Chaos Escalates
The U.S. government shutdown, now in its sixth day, has thrown thousands of Americans into confusion and hardship. The closure has disrupted everything from daily operations to essential travel, with no signs of resolution as Republicans and Democrats continue to trade blame instead of finding a compromise. Amid this standoff, passengers at California’s Burbank Airport faced one of the most severe consequences yet, a total shutdown of air traffic control operations.
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Burbank Airport Left Unmanned
On Monday, the Burbank Airport faced a major operational crisis when all its air traffic controllers called in sick. This unprecedented absence left the airport’s control tower completely unmanned from 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m., leading to severe flight delays and growing fears of potential accidents. The incident, first reported by ABC News, illustrated the direct toll of unpaid federal employees amid the shutdown. With no controllers on duty, the airport struggled to manage the flow of air traffic safely.
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Newsom’s Fiery Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom swiftly responded to the incident, using the opportunity to criticize Trump’s handling of the shutdown. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 pm to 10 pm today because of YOUR government shutdown.” Newsom’s post highlighted the growing frustration among state leaders as critical services, including aviation safety, began to collapse under the shutdown’s strain.
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Air Traffic Controllers Speak Out
Air traffic controllers at Burbank Airport told ABC News that they had transferred their responsibilities to the Southern California TRACON, a San Diego-based air control facility. However, the sudden shift caused confusion and flight disruptions for over two and a half hours. The lack of coordination between facilities amplified the delays, leaving passengers stranded and airlines scrambling to adjust schedules. The controllers cited pay refusals and blocked salaries as the main reasons for their absences.
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Duffy’s Heated Rebuttal
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was quick to hit back at Newsom’s criticism, blaming Democrats for the ongoing shutdown. Responding on X, Duffy wrote, “News flash! Your Democrat friends shut down the government because they want to make Americans pay for health care for illegals. And no state has more illegals than California. You care more about illegals than our hard-working American air traffic controllers. If you’re looking for someone to blame, look in the mirror; we all know it’s your favorite thing to do.” His post reignited partisan tensions as both sides pointed fingers instead of offering solutions.
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Safety Concerns and Delays
Earlier in the week, Duffy himself acknowledged the serious challenges the shutdown had caused in aviation operations. Speaking to reporters, he admitted, “So, we’re tracking sick calls, sick leave, and have had a slight tick up in sick calls? Yes, and then you’ll see delays that come from that. Our priorities are safety. And so, if we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people.” His remarks confirmed growing disruptions at air control towers nationwide as federal employees protest unpaid work.
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Political Deadlock Continues
While airports struggle to maintain safety and efficiency, Washington remains gridlocked. Both Republicans and Democrats continue blaming each other for the shutdown’s fallout, with little progress toward a resolution. The Burbank Airport incident has now become a symbol of how political dysfunction can directly endanger public safety and disrupt the lives of ordinary Americans. With no compromise in sight, air travel and much of the country remain in turmoil.