Flight Delays Mount as Government Shutdown Continues

Mon Oct 20 2025 22:42:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Staffing shortages at U.S. airports, driven by a government shutdown, lead to an increase in flight delays with warnings of deteriorating conditions.

As the government shutdown stretches into a week, airports across the U.S. face delays due to staffing shortages, particularly affecting air traffic control and security. Approximately 92% of over 23,600 flights were on time as of Tuesday afternoon, but concerns grow about potential disruptions to holiday travel. Transportation Secretary Duffy warned that the number of controllers calling in sick could worsen, impacting safety and operations as workers continue to serve without pay.

Staffing shortages led to more flight delays at airports across the U.S. on Tuesday as the federal government shutdown stretched into a seventh day, with union leaders for air traffic controllers and airport security screeners warning that the situation may worsen.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing issues at major airports including Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, and in air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth. To maintain safety, the agency temporarily slowed takeoffs for planes heading to these cities.

Despite the disruptions, around 92% of flights departing from U.S. airports were on schedule as of Tuesday afternoon. However, increased delays may occur as federal workers continue to work without pay, with experts predicting that holiday travel plans could be impacted.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted an uptick in air traffic controllers calling in sick, leading to reduced flight operations.

Concerns voiced by industry leaders highlight the interplay between government operations and aviation safety, stressing the urgent need for a resolution to the shutdown.