Airports across the United States continue to face widespread delays and cancellations as the government shutdown stretches into its fifth week, putting heavy pressure on the country’s aviation system. The ongoing shutdown has led to severe staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to slow down air traffic to maintain safety.
According to data from FlightAware, more than 16,700 flights were delayed and 2,282 were cancelled between Friday and Sunday. Disruptions continued into Monday, affecting over 4,000 flights and leading to more than 600 cancellations at major airports including Chicago O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, and Newark.
The FAA confirmed that staffing levels are critically low in about half of the country’s busiest airport control centers. Reports indicate that absences among air traffic controllers in the New York area alone have reached up to 80 percent.
Controllers are considered essential workers and must continue working despite not being paid during the shutdown. Many are reportedly experiencing stress, exhaustion, and financial strain, resulting in increased sick leave and reduced availability.
In a statement posted on X, the FAA urged an end to the shutdown, saying that restoring pay is necessary to stabilize operations and prevent worsening disruptions. “When staffing shortages occur, we reduce air traffic flow to maintain safety. This may result in delays or cancellations,” the agency said.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also addressed the situation, explaining that flight delays are unavoidable under current conditions. He said the top priority remains safety in the air and on the ground.
“We work overtime to make sure the system is safe,” Duffy said. “You’ll see delays, you’ll have flights cancelled, but safety comes first.” He also noted that many controllers are taking extra jobs to support their families, adding that he does not intend to punish them for doing so.
The shutdown, now entering its 35th day, matches the longest in U.S. history. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, around 670,000 federal employees have been furloughed, while another 730,000 are working without pay. The impact continues to grow, affecting aviation, public service agencies, and everyday operations across multiple sectors.
