Hollywood Burbank Tower Unmanned, Flights Delayed

Hollywood Burbank Airport was without air traffic controllers from about 4:15 p.m. to roughly 10 p.m. Monday amid the federal government shutdown, forcing Southern California TRACON in San Diego to assume responsibility for arrivals and departures. The FAA implemented ground delays and estimated departures to Burbank averaged about 151 minutes, with some flights delayed as long as nearly four hours; passengers were advised to check with their airlines. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association reported a rise in sick calls as controllers worked without pay, and the FAA said it scrambled to bring in staff but could not guarantee the gap would be filled. The agency cited long-term staffing shortfalls of about 3,000 controllers that the shutdown has worsened, and officials warned safety concerns could force further reductions or closures if problems continue. California Governor Gavin Newsom blamed the White House for the disruption.