Staffing shortages at airports cause delays amid government shutdown

Several major airports have reported flight delays on Monday night due to a combination of staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, the government shutdown, and the start of the 2025 flu season.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned travelers that flights could be delayed because of the shutdown and that there has been a slight uptick in air traffic controllers who have called in sick since the shutdown began last week.

Flights into airports serving the New York City, Denver and Los Angeles areas have all seen delays so far, because of the shortage of qualified air traffic controllers who can replace those who call in sick, the New York Times reported.

Flights to the Hollywood Burbank Airport noted the longest delays, with an average of two and a half hours. The Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey saw hour-long delays, and flights into Denver are seeing 40-minute delays.

Air traffic controllers are required to work during government shutdowns but are not paid until after the shutdown has ended. 

"I spent the day talking to air traffic controllers," Duffy posted on X. "These hardworking Americans need the shutdown to end so they can get paid for the important work they do every day to keep us flying."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.