Government shutdown disrupts air traffic control services
- Air traffic controllers are required to work during the government shutdown despite not getting paid.
- An increase in sick calls has led to significant delays at several major airports across the country.
- If the shutdown continues, it poses a threat to the safe management of air traffic as financial stress affects controller performance.
The ongoing government shutdown in the United States has led to significant disruptions in air travel as air traffic controllers face staffing shortages due to a rise in sick calls. As of October 6, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration reported that three major airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Hollywood Burbank Airport, experienced delays due to insufficient air traffic controllers on duty. The Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, noted that the controllers are considered essential workers obligated to manage airspace without pay during the shutdown. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association warned its members against any organized job actions that could further affect air service, emphasizing the importance of maintaining operational capacity during this critical time. Despite calls from the union for workers to rise to the occasion, many controllers have expressed their financial stress and the potential necessity of finding second jobs to manage expenses until they receive back pay when the shutdown ends. Secretary Duffy highlighted the growing stress among controllers, noting that their ability to effectively manage airspace may be compromised should the staffing situation worsen. The Transportation Security Administration noted that during a previous government shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019, sick calls among TSA workers surged to 10%. Duffy expressed concern that the current shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers across the country, combined with increased sick calls, could lead to further operational challenges. Passenger safety remains paramount, and the Department of Transportation has committed to monitoring air traffic flow to ensure safety standards are upheld amidst the staffing issues. Duffy has stated that if service conditions deteriorate, the FAA will slow traffic into airports to mitigate risks, even if this results in more delays or cancellations. The ripple effects of the ongoing shutdown ultimately threaten regional air services across the country, underscoring the critical need for timely resolutions to governmental financial disputes.