Airports Face Ground Stops Due to Staffing Issues
On Thursday, three major airports in the U.S. implemented ground stops and experienced delays, all linked to staffing shortages stemming from the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) was the first to announce a ground delay program, indicating that flights were delayed by roughly 30 minutes because of these staffing challenges.
Following that, both Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York also halted departures, attributing the situation to similar staffing constraints.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commented that the likelihood of extended ground stops is “moderate,” estimating a probability of 30 to 60 percent.
Earlier in the month, the FAA recognized that several key air traffic control centers — notably in Chicago, Nashville, Houston, and Las Vegas — were grappling with staffing shortages, which has contributed to nationwide air traffic disruptions.
Officials linked these staffing issues directly to the continuing government shutdown, which has now lasted for 23 days.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned to Fox News that typically, about 5% of delays arise from staffing shortages.
Duffy also revealed that a substantial 53 percent of the delays caused by closures were related to staffing issues.
“My message to air traffic controllers at DOT is to show up for work,” Duffy stated, expressing gratitude for those who have continued their duties despite the situation. However, he noted that these controllers are feeling overwhelmed and are pushing back against the shutdown, primarily because of concerns about their pay.
He emphasized, “Safety comes first,” adding that if air travel becomes unsafe, the Department of Transportation will consider reducing speeds or even halting traffic altogether.
