Flight delays spread to major airports across US
Share and Follow


(The Hill) – Flight delays at major airports across the country occurred on Tuesday, as staffing shortages continue amid the ongoing government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported shortages at airports in Nashville, Tenn., Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia, as well as at air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

In a publicly available national airspace system status summary, Reagan Washington National Airport in the nation’s capital; Philadelphia International Airport; Miami International Airport; Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; San Francisco International Airport; LaGuardia Airport in New York City; Newark Liberty International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport could all experience ground stoppages at various points Wednesday.

The Hill has reached out to the FAA for clarity on which of the potential ground stops are due to staffing shortages.

According to flight tracking site FlightAware, over 3,600 flights within, in or out of the U.S., were delayed on Tuesday, with 70 such flights cancelled. As of Wednesday morning, 460 flights within, into or out of the country have been delayed, with 25 cancelled.

On Monday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that since the lapse in funding began last Wednesday, there has been a slight increase in air traffic controllers calling out sick. In January 2019 — during the previous shutdown, which lasted about 35 days — an increase in controllers taking sick days resulted in travel disruptions along the East Coast. 

Later in the day, the Department of Transportation (DOT) reported staffing shortages at Newark, Hollywood Burbank Airport and Denver International Airport.

According to the DOT shutdown contingency plan, over 11,000 FAA employees would be furloughed, accounting for roughly a quarter of the agency’s workforce. But the plan noted that over 13,000 air traffic controllers would keep their jobs, with hiring and training continuing. 

The Associated Press contributed.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Former pupil at British school is among the missing in ski bar fire

British School Alum Reported Missing in Ski Bar Blaze

A tragic incident has left a former student of a British school…
Golfer Emanuele Galeppini named as first victim of Swiss bar blaze that killed at least 40

Tragic Swiss Bar Fire Claims First Victim: Golfer Emanuele Galeppini Identified Among 40 Fatalities

Emanuele Galeppini, a promising 16-year-old golfer from Italy who resided in Dubai,…
Will Smith sued for sexual harassment by violinist Brian King Joseph

Violinist Brian King Joseph Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Will Smith

Violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a lawsuit against Will Smith, accusing…
Jax Bulldog Club reflects on Sugar Bowl tragedy as team appears in same game a year later

Jax Bulldog Club Remembers Sugar Bowl Tragedy as Team Prepares for Emotional Return to the Game

The Jacksonville Bulldog Club recently organized a lively watch party for the…
Vehicle drives into crowd in East Hollywood, injuring more than 20

Foiled New Year’s Eve Terror Plot in North Carolina: Teen Arrest Shocks Community

According to FBI representatives, an 18-year-old, inspired by ISIS, had intentions to…
EXCLUSIVE: Mom speaks out after illegal alien DUI suspect allegedly kills 8-year-old, maims Marine dad

EXCLUSIVE: Mother Shares Her Story Following Tragic Incident Involving Alleged DUI by Undocumented Immigrant, Resulting in Death of 8-Year-Old and Injuries to Marine Father

EXCLUSIVE: A grieving mother is speaking out after a tragic incident over…
Stassi Schroeder to host Hulu's 'Tell Me Lies Official Podcast'

Stassi Schroeder Takes the Mic: Unveiling Hulu’s ‘Tell Me Lies’ with an Exclusive Podcast

Featured on the podcast are notable personalities such as “Tell Me Lies”…
Bryan Kohberger's Idaho murder scene unveiled through detailed 3D replica after death penalty struck

Unveiling Shocking True Crime Updates: Exclusive Videos, Verdicts, and Trials You Can’t Miss

Bryan Kohberger made an appearance at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise,…