Thousands of US flights experienced significant delays on Monday, with over 4,000 disrupted and an additional 118 flights canceled. This widespread air travel chaos is directly linked to the ongoing 27-day government shutdown, which is severely impacting airport operations and air traffic control. Staffing shortages are becoming a critical issue across the nation. On Sunday alone, FlightAware reported more than 8,700 flight delays due to mounting personnel shortfalls. Essential workers, including approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, are working without pay, leading to considerable operational strain. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified staffing deficits as the cause for flight disruptions in the Southeast and at Newark Liberty International Airport. In response to these challenges, the FAA implemented ground delays at Los Angeles International Airport, causing flights to be held on the tarmac for an average of 25 minutes. The human toll of the shutdown is significant, with DOT Secretary Sean Duffy highlighting the immense stress on air traffic controllers and TSA staff who are grappling with missed paychecks, concerns about daily expenses like fuel and childcare. The Department of Transportation has cautioned that these delays and cancellations are likely to continue as long as the shutdown persists. Airlines are strongly advising passengers to monitor their flight status and anticipate longer waiting times at airports. Experts warn that even after the government reopens, it could take considerable time to recover from the accumulated backlog and address the underlying staffing and operational challenges.
