Air travelers across the United States are facing mounting frustration as the ongoing government shutdown, now in its second week, continues to strain air traffic control operations. Staffing shortages have led to widespread flight delays, cancellations, and safety concerns at major airports, including Chicago’s O’Hare International — one of the busiest in the world.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that O’Hare’s air traffic control tower was operating with reduced personnel between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. Tuesday and anticipated a ground stop later in the evening. While the tower was not expected to close completely, as happened earlier this week in California, the shortage has already caused substantial slowdowns. O’Hare typically handles nearly 5,000 flights on a normal Tuesday, but operations have been hampered by delays of 30 minutes or longer throughout the day.
Air traffic controllers, deemed essential workers, are required to work without pay during shutdowns. However, with no immediate resolution in sight, morale among aviation staff is deteriorating. Many controllers are reportedly calling in sick, with some regions reporting attendance drops as steep as 50%. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the issue, saying, “If we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe.”
Across the country, airports in Nashville, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, and Newark have also faced operational slowdowns. Hollywood Burbank Airport in California saw its tower go unmanned for nearly six hours on Monday, forcing remote management of flights — an extraordinary measure that underscores how stretched the aviation system has become.
For travelers, the result has been uncertainty and frustration. “If there aren’t enough air traffic controllers, safety issues come into play,” said traveler Sidney Maxwell, waiting at O’Hare. “Getting planes out safely should be the top priority.” Fellow passenger Drew Kayvani, flying to Italy, voiced similar concerns: “I understand if things close for a day or two while talks continue, but this is getting out of hand.”
The impact extends beyond delayed flights. Controllers are facing mounting financial stress, unsure when — or if — they’ll be paid for the hours they’re working. “Now what they’re thinking about as they’re controlling our airspace is how to make extra money because the government may not provide a paycheck,” Duffy said.
Union leaders have cautioned members against organized absences, reminding them that failure to report for duty could lead to termination. Still, fatigue, stress, and financial strain are taking a toll. “Air traffic controllers didn’t start the shutdown and certainly aren’t going to end it,” said Drew MacQueen of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. “They’re working six days a week, ten hours a day, and wondering when they’ll get paid.”
This crisis mirrors the 2019 government shutdown, when similar disruptions at major airports helped bring negotiations to an end. For now, however, lawmakers remain deadlocked over budget disagreements, leaving essential workers unpaid and travelers facing an unpredictable aviation system.
Until Congress reaches a resolution, the nation’s air travel network remains under pressure — and every passing day without a deal deepens the uncertainty in America’s skies.
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