Late Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged lawmakers to reopen the agency. The reason? A shortfall in funding and staffing has led to increased flight delays and cancellations at major airports nationwide.
Federal workers, including employees from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and around 13,000 air traffic controllers, have been working without pay since the government shutdown started.
Airports have seen a spike in calls in recent weeks, indicating a strain on resources.
“As we approach the weekend, staffing levels at several facilities are strained due to a surge in calls, affecting operations across the country,” the agency noted. “Currently, half of our core 30 facilities are experiencing staffing shortages, and nearly 80% of our air traffic controllers are absent at New York-area facilities,” they mentioned on social media.
The post added, “After 31 days without pay, air traffic controllers are under immense stress and fatigue. The shutdown needs to end to ensure controllers receive their deserved pay and to prevent further disruptions for travelers.”
The FAA emphasized that safety remains its highest priority, warning that air traffic is expected to decline due to staffing issues, which could lead to more delays and cancellations.
As of Saturday morning, over 11,000 flights were reported delayed, and about 400 were canceled, according to reports.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has prioritized increasing recruitment and retention of air traffic controllers, recognizing the exhaustion many are facing as the shutdown drags on.
“The controllers are worn out,” he shared during an interview. “They’re even taking on second jobs, wondering if they can drive for Uber or find another source of income.”
Duffy later encouraged controllers, saying, “Focus on your job. Ultimately, you will be paid, but there are real-life challenges you and your families are experiencing.”
He had previously warned that flight delays and cancellations were likely as the shutdown continued.
The four largest airlines in the U.S.—United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines—also urged lawmakers to pass legislation to reopen the government.
Despite their efforts, the Senate has seen 13 failed attempts to push the Republican-led continuing resolution through, leaving some senators still in Washington due to delays.
