The ongoing U. S. government shutdown is putting a strain on the travel industry, which is considered to be the backbone of the country’s economy. As the shutdown enters its 34th day, more and more air traffic controllers (ATCs) are absent from their duties, causing a rise in flight delays across the U. S.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), half of the Core 30 airports in the U. S. experienced staffing shortages over the weekend. This includes major airports such as LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Newark Liberty International (EWR), where almost 80% of air traffic controllers were absent at some point since Friday.

These absences are having a serious impact on the system. On Sunday, delays at some of the busiest U. S. airports reached hundreds, including more than 300 at Chicago O’Hare (ORD), over 200 at both Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) and Houston Bush (IAH), and close to 200 at Newark Liberty (EWR). Other major airports such as Orlando International (MCO), Nashville International (BNA), and San Francisco International (SFO) also experienced over 100 flight delays.

As of 7:30 a. m EST on Monday, the FAA has issued notices that ground stops are likely in San Francisco (SFO) after 10 a. m. EST and in Boston (BOS) after 12 p. m. EST. This list is expected to grow as the day progresses.

The FAA has stated that the air traffic controllers are under immense stress and fatigue after 31 days without pay. They are urging for an end to the shutdown so that controllers can receive their earned pay and travelers can avoid further disruptions and delays.

The shutdown has been condemned by every major U. S. travel industry group. The U. S. Travel Association estimated that the shutdown would cost the economy around $4 billion per week when it first began, but that number has now risen to over $4. 6 billion and continues to grow. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more damage it will cause to local communities, small businesses, and the country as a whole.

Geoff Freeman, the president and CEO of the U. S. Travel Association, called for Congress to act and reopen the government at the beginning of the shutdown on October 8th. As the shutdown continues, the consequences are becoming more severe and urgent action is needed to mitigate the damage to the travel industry and the economy.