Travelers across the United States are facing mounting air travel delays as the government shutdown, now in its second week, strains the nation’s air traffic control system. At airports from Phoenix to Nashville and Los Angeles to Newark, the impact of staffing shortages is becoming increasingly clear, with thousands of flights delayed and a growing sense of uncertainty among both industry officials and passengers.
On October 7, 2025, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport—a key hub for American Airlines and a base for Southwest Airlines—reported more than 100 flight delays by late afternoon, with five cancellations by midday, according to FlightAware data cited by Cronkite News. While airport spokesman Greg Roybal sought to reassure travelers, saying the airport does not anticipate many visible impacts to operations in the short term, the numbers told a different story. And Phoenix was hardly alone.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ongoing air traffic controller shortages are forcing delays at airports nationwide. As reported by CNN, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the problem is growing, noting a slight tick up in sick calls from controllers who have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1. Youll see delays that come from that, Duffy said during a stop at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of several major airports experiencing ground delays due to staffing shortages.
Hollywood Burbank Airport in California faced one of the most dramatic disruptions, closing its air traffic control tower for nearly six hours on October 6, forcing pilots to coordinate takeoffs and landings on their own. As NPR and BBC News reported, the tower was unmanned and operations were managed remotely from San Diego during that period. California Governor Gavin Newsom drew national attention to the situation, blaming the shutdown for the lack of personnel.
While the FAA’s shutdown plan called for furloughing 11,000 employees, it required 13,294 air traffic controllers to continue working without pay. These essential workers, along with Transportation Security Administration officers and Customs and Border Protection agents, are deemed critical and must report to work regardless of the shutdown’s duration. Yet, the stress is palpable. Drew MacQueen, a union official with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), told NewsNation, What they dont need is the fatigue of dealing with that job while being short staffed, working six days a week, 10 hours a day. Now theyre worried about when theyll get paid.
As of Tuesday afternoon, about 3,200 U.S. flights had been delayed, according to FlightAware and BBC News. The delays werent limited to Phoenix and Burbank. Major airports in Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, Newark, Denver, and Las Vegas all experienced significant disruptions. Nashville International Airport posted a notice indicating that all flights in and out of the city would be reduced due to the shortage of air traffic controllers, a situation expected to last until further notice. The FAA warned that if delays worsened, it could implement a Ground Delay Program, spacing out departures and arrivals to manage congestion.
Officials emphasize that weather has not been a factor in these disruptions. Instead, the root cause is political gridlock. The government shutdown began when Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to resolve a budget dispute, largely centered around health care subsidies, as reported by NPR. About 40% of the federal workforce—approximately 750,000 people—have been placed on unpaid leave, while essential workers like air traffic controllers continue their duties without paychecks.
The strain on air traffic controllers is not just financial. Many are overworked, and some are reportedly considering second jobs to make ends meet. Secretary Duffy noted at a press conference, Now what they think about as theyre controlling our airspace is: How am I going to pay my mortgage? He emphasized that safety remains the top priority, even if it means slowing down air traffic and causing more delays or cancellations. If we see theres issues in the tower that are affecting controllers ability to effectively control the airspace, well reduce the rate, and youll see more delays or you might see a cancellation. Im willing to do that before were willing to risk anyones life in the air, Duffy said, according to NPR.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has warned its members that participating in any job action could result in removal from federal service. It is not only illegal, but it also undermines NATCAs credibility and severely weakens our ability to effectively advocate for you and your families, the union posted on its website. Despite these warnings, the reality of working without pay is taking its toll. Nick Daniels, NATCA president, called for an end to the shutdown, stating, We need to bring this shutdown to a close so that the Federal Aviation Administration and the committed aviation safety professionals can put this distraction aside and focus completely on their vital work.
The effects of the shutdown are not limited to major hubs. Rural airports, which rely on the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program, could soon face additional challenges. Secretary Duffy warned that the program could run out of funding as soon as Sunday, potentially cutting off commercial service to about 170 U.S. communities. Alaska, in particular, could be hit hard, as airlines holding contracts for remote communities may be relieved of their obligations if reimbursements are suspended.
Airlines for America, representing major U.S. carriers, acknowledged the growing strain on the industry. When federal employees who manage air traffic, inspect aircraft and secure our nations aviation system are furloughed or working without pay, the entire industry and millions of Americans feel the strain, the association said in a statement. Southwest Airlines noted it was staying in close contact with the FAA and would continue to adjust our schedule to safely accommodate challenges due to air-traffic constraints.
Political leaders remain deadlocked. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, Theres nothing to negotiate. Just reopen the government. Meanwhile, Republicans insist they wont negotiate until the government reopens, and Democrats argue that healthcare costs must be addressed in any funding bill. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats are ready to meet anytime, any place to resolve the crisis, but a breakthrough appears elusive.
History shows the power of air traffic controllers in ending shutdowns. During the 35-day government shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019, widespread controller absences triggered ground stops at major airports, pressuring lawmakers to reach a deal. This time, with no agreement in sight, travelers and workers alike are bracing for continued disruption.
For now, the message from officials is clear: safety comes first, but delays and cancellations are likely to persist until the government reopens and the air traffic control system is fully staffed and funded once again.
