Airport Delays Continue as Government Shutdown Enters Historic 37th Day
Major airports across the United States are still facing delays and cancellations as the government shutdown, now in its 37th day, becomes the longest in American history.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported a shortage of air traffic control staff on Thursday, leading to disruptions in flight schedules. The agency is preparing to reduce 10% of flights at 40 major airports as early as tomorrow.
Delays of approximately 45 minutes were reported at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday morning, as the control tower is understaffed until 2 p. m. ET. The New York area airports also experienced delays averaging 30 minutes due to staffing issues, according to the FAA.
The FAA has also reported that the New York Center, which manages flights at high altitudes, and the Terminal Radar Approach Control facility, which handles incoming and outgoing flights at Newark Liberty International Airport, are both understaffed until 2 p. m. and 1 p. m. respectively. The Houston TRACON is also facing staffing shortages until 3 p. m.
As a result of the shortage, the FAA is implementing a drawdown in service at 40 high-volume traffic markets. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that they will be working with airlines to reduce their schedules in order to cope with the situation.
The country’s “core” airports, including major airports in New York City, Washington D. C. , Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, and Seattle, are all expected to be impacted by the reduction in flights, according to a source from the FAA.
The ongoing staffing issues are a result of some air traffic controllers refusing to show up to work in protest of the government shutdown. Many controllers, along with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners, are considered essential employees and must work without receiving pay. This has led to some controllers taking on second jobs to make ends meet, while others have been calling in sick.
In response to the ongoing staffing issues, National Transportation Safety Board Chairperson Jennifer Homendy stated that the drawdown in service was the right thing to do and that “pressures are building in the system.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also acknowledged the staffing pressures and stated that the new measures would include restrictions on space launches and small aircraft traffic in certain markets. He applauded the controllers who are still showing up to work and keeping the airspace safe, but also recognized the need for more action.
Despite the challenges faced by the air industry, the FAA is committed to ensuring the safety of all air travelers. They are continuously monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to mitigate any risks.