Over 13,000 Air Traffic Controllers Missed Paychecks Cause Flight Delays Amid Government Shutdown

The ongoing government shutdown has resulted in more than 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers working without pay, leading to increased flight delays and operational disruptions across major U.S. airports. Air traffic controllers are set to miss their first full paycheck, causing financial stress and forcing some to take second jobs, which is affecting morale and focus critical to maintaining air travel safety. The Federal Aviation Administration's training academy is also at risk of running out of funds, threatening future staffing levels. The White House has warned of significant flight delays, especially during the holiday season, and Congress has yet to pass funding to reinstate pay for federal aviation workers. While efforts by the Department of Transportation include keeping the FAA Academy open and accelerating hiring, lawmakers acknowledge the severe staffing shortages and resource constraints. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasize that the shutdown's continuation endangers the safety and reliability of the national airspace system.