US Air-Traffic Controller Shortages Cause 5,800+ Flight Delays Amid Shutdown

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its 19th day, has severely impacted the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic control staffing, leading to widespread flight delays across major airports including Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Newark. Over 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay, resulting in a critical shortage of about 3,500 controllers, which in turn has caused thousands of delayed flights, with more than 5,800 delays recorded on a single recent day. The shortage has forced many controllers to work extended shifts and mandatory overtime, raising concerns about safety and operational efficiency as the holiday travel season approaches. Airlines like American, Delta, and Southwest have reported significant disruptions, and some travelers are responding by purchasing more comprehensive travel insurance that includes "cancel for any reason" coverage to mitigate potential losses. The shutdown has sparked political blame between parties, with calls from unions, airline representatives, and government officials for a swift resolution to restore normal operations. Although weather and major events like the Formula 1 race in Austin have also contributed to delays, staffing shortages remain the predominant cause, reflecting broader vulnerabilities in the U.S. aviation infrastructure exacerbated by the shutdown.