Shutdown Causes 200+ FAA Staffing Shortages, 13,000 Unpaid

The continuing federal government shutdown has left roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 TSA officers working without pay, producing rising absences and widespread staffing shortfalls across towers and radar facilities. FAA data and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy report dozens of operational triggers and more than 200 staffing shortages since the shutdown began, coinciding with thousands of flight delays, FlightAware-tracked delay spikes and ground stops or flow restrictions at major hubs including LAX, Newark, LaGuardia and Reagan National. Duffy warned delays and cancellations are likely to increase as controllers face their first full unpaid paycheck. Union leaders and controllers report higher sick calls, trainees abandoning the academy and active staff taking side jobs, raising immediate safety and retention concerns. FAA is issuing advisories and monitoring traffic flow while airlines, unions and airports press lawmakers to resolve the budget impasse to restore pay and staffing stability.