Airports across the U.S. are facing growing turbulence as the federal government shutdown enters its seventh day, triggering flight delays and rising concerns about safety and staffing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported widespread shortages of air traffic controllers and security screeners, forcing slower takeoffs at major airports. Union leaders warn that as unpaid federal workers grow strained, the nation’s air travel system could face major disruptions, especially with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching.
Flight Delays Spread Nationwide
Staffing shortages have disrupted operations at several major airports, including Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as key FAA control centers in Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The FAA said it had to temporarily slow takeoffs into several cities to maintain safety. On Monday, delays hit airports in Burbank, Newark, and Denver, all linked to insufficient staffing amid the shutdown. Despite the issues, analytics firm Cirium reported that about 92% of 23,600 flights departed on time by Tuesday afternoon.
Shutdown Adds Pressure to FAA
The shutdown began on October 1, and now the FAA’s ability to operate safely is under growing stress. Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt warned that “the risk of wider impacts to the U.S. aviation system is growing by the day.” He cautioned that if the shutdown continues, millions of Americans’ Thanksgiving plans could be disrupted or even “ruined.” With federal workers still on the job without pay, the system is operating on the edge of sustainability.
Sick Calls and Tower Closures
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed an increase in air traffic controllers calling in sick, leaving some airports understaffed. When that happens, the FAA reduces takeoffs and landings to maintain safety. One striking example occurred on Monday when the control tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport shut down for several hours, leading to average delays of two and a half hours. A pilot trying to take off was told via radio: “The tower is closed due to staffing.”
Unions Warn of Burnout
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said the crisis exposes long-standing problems in the nation’s air traffic system, which he described as “critically understaffed and outdated.” Even a few absences can cripple smaller facilities. “It’s not like we have other controllers that can suddenly come to that facility and staff them,” Daniels said. He emphasized that workers are under immense pressure to keep the skies safe while uncertain about when they’ll next get paid.
Workers Struggle Without Pay
As payday approaches next week, union leaders fear the worst. Daniels said air traffic controllers are being forced to “hang in there” while political gridlock drags on. Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees chapter representing TSA workers, said many are now anxious about mortgages, child support, and daily expenses. “The employees are struggling,” he said. “They’re assessing what they need to do and how this is all going to work out.” Some TSA officers have already called in sick, though the numbers remain small for now.
Unions and Airports Step In
Aviation unions and major airlines are calling for an immediate end to the shutdown, while also organizing relief efforts for affected workers. Unions have reached out to food banks, grocery chains, and airports for assistance. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, officials are offering $15 food vouchers and free parking for unpaid federal employees. Other airports are following suit, with efforts focused on supporting workers who are keeping the system running without pay.
‘Operation Bald Eagle 2’ Offers Relief
At Tampa International Airport, Chief Operating Officer John Tiliacos said his team anticipated the shutdown and launched “Operation Bald Eagle 2” to help the roughly 11,000 federal employees at the airport. The program includes a food pantry, free bus rides to work, and partnerships with utility providers to prevent power shutoffs at workers’ homes. “Whatever we can do to make life a little easier for these federal employees that allows them to continue coming to work and focus on keeping our airport operational, that’s what we’re prepared to do,” Tiliacos said.