Air traffic controller shortage causes Chicago O'Hare delays as government shutdown continues
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ongoing government shutdown led to flight delays at Chicago O’Hare Airport on Tuesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Northwest Side airport has been hit by staffing shortages with air traffic control facilities and towers.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Controllers are considered essential workers, so they must work during the shutdown, but they are not getting paid. Some workers have been calling in sick.

“We want to make sure we have air travel safe, and controllers focused not on their mortgages, not on the next paycheck, not on food on the table, but actually on making sure you and your family are safe,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Though the airport was not very busy on Tuesday evening, delays still impacted travelers.

Earlier Tuesday, the FAA said, “Departures to Chicago O’Hare International are delayed avg. 41 mins. due to other delays assigned to departures within 1,200 nautical miles.” That alert has since been removed from the FAA website.

People taking off somewhere, coming home or just transiting felt more than inconvenienced on Tuesday.

The annoyed passengers do not like being part of the flying public inconvenienced by a political fight in Washington, D.C.

O’Hare is one of at least eight airports around the country facing staffing shortages.

An FAA statement issues earlier Tuesday reads, “Due to a recent lapse in funding, we know there are many questions about flight delays and staffing shortages across the system. For real-time updates at U.S. airports, including staffing and weather, visit https://nasstatus.faa.gov.”

This comes after Burbank Airport in the Los Angeles area was forced to close its air traffic tower on Tuesday because it had zero controllers on the job.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
A medical helicopter is shown after it crashed

Helicopter Ambulance Accident on California Highway Leaves 3 Injured

() Three people are hospitalized in critical condition after a medical helicopter…
Watch Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck spot each other at 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' premiere

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Reunite at ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ Premiere

Bennifer is back — for one night only. The awkward moment Ben…
Duval teacher removed for controversial social media comments sparks backlash

Duval County Teacher Faces Backlash After Controversial Remarks on Social Media

DCPS teacher Hope McMath has been reassigned pending investigation over controversial social…
Durbin: Bondi 'weaponized' Department of Justice

Durbin Accuses Bondi of Politicizing the Justice Department

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee,…
Popular actress shocks fans with 'unrecognizable' appearance

Famous Actress Stuns Fans with Dramatic Transformation

She shot to fame as a teen pop idol before transitioning into…
'Ghislaine. I haven't heard that name in so long' Trump stuns reporter

“Trump Surprises Reporter with Comment: ‘Ghislaine. It’s Been Ages Since I’ve Heard That Name'”

CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins has been left stunned by Donald Trump after…
Reporter's Notebook: Hamas Oct 7 attacks survivor recalls Gaza captivity 2 years later

Reporter’s Notebook: Hamas Oct 7 attacks survivor recalls Gaza captivity 2 years later

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Exactly two years ago,…
Alabama man charged with domestic violence surrenders himself after 12 hour negotiations

Alabama Man Accused of Domestic Violence Surrenders Following 12-Hour Negotiations

LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office says after…