Government Shutdown Causes Widespread Air Traffic Controller Shortages, Ground Delays at Major US Airports

The ongoing federal government shutdown, now over a month long, is severely impacting air travel across the United States, particularly due to staffing shortages of air traffic controllers and TSA agents who are working without pay. Major airports including Houston's Bush and Hobby, Orlando International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Los Angeles International, and others are experiencing significant ground delays, some lasting up to several hours. The FAA has issued warnings about potential ground stops at numerous key airports, attributing these disruptions largely to insufficient staffing exacerbated by the shutdown. Air traffic controllers, deemed essential workers, are working extended hours without pay while hiring and training programs are paused, contributing to the worsening crisis. Airlines such as Delta have urged Congress to end the shutdown immediately, highlighting the risk to safety and the mounting stress on essential workers. The situation remains fluid, with delays expected to persist as the shutdown continues.