Air Traffic Delays Spread Nationwide as Government Shutdown Enters Seventh Day

Major flight delays are spreading across the country as the seventh day of the federal government shutdown leaves air traffic control facilities critically understaffed, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA warned that Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will not have enough controllers in the tower for nine hours Tuesday night, while Nashville’s approach facility is shutting down for five hours due to a shortage of staff. Similar issues are being reported at major facilities serving Houston, Newark, Las Vegas, Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Dallas.

Houston’s Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental airports are both expected to face ground delays because of the ongoing staffing crisis. The shortages are also creating ripple effects for connecting flights nationwide.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said more air traffic controllers are calling out sick, raising concerns about fatigue and financial stress as workers go without pay during the shutdown. “They’re concerned about how to pay their bills and put food on the table,” Duffy said.

While organized work stoppages are prohibited by law, even a small number of absences can cause significant disruptions because the air traffic control system is already stretched thin. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said the situation highlights the system’s fragility, warning that even routine callouts can have major safety and scheduling consequences.

On Monday, Hollywood Burbank Airport in California temporarily lost all air traffic control staff, forcing pilots to coordinate takeoffs and landings themselves via a shared radio channel. Experts say such measures increase risk and delay flight operations.

With no end to the government shutdown in sight, officials fear the disruptions could worsen as the next federal payday approaches on October 14 — and the first missed paychecks loom by October 28 if funding isn’t restored.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.