Air Traffic Control Under Strain: Shutdown's Ripple Effects

The ongoing federal shutdown is starting to show its teeth, and the aviation industry is feeling the bite. Air traffic controllers, who are still on the job despite not getting paid, are beginning to call in sick more often. This is causing delays and cancellations, and things might get worse before they get better.

A Clear Sign of Strain

On Saturday, there were over 20 instances where there weren't enough air traffic controllers to handle the flights. This is one of the highest numbers seen since the shutdown began. It's a clear sign that these essential workers are feeling the strain.

Flight Delays on the Rise

Flight delays have been above average since the shutdown started. On Saturday alone, there were over 5,300 delays, and by noon on Sunday, there were already more than 2,500. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has even had to issue ground stops at major airports like Los Angeles International due to staffing shortages.

Understaffed and Overworked

Air traffic controllers are already understaffed, with the FAA needing about 3,500 more controllers to meet its targets. Many of these controllers were already working long hours and six-day weeks before the shutdown. Now, with no paychecks coming in, some are looking for second jobs just to make ends meet.

A History of Shutdown Problems

This isn't the first time a shutdown has caused problems in the aviation industry. Back in 2019, during a 35-day shutdown, there were more absences among controllers and TSA officers. This led to longer wait times at airport checkpoints and slower air traffic in major cities like New York and Washington.

Political Deadlock Continues

The political deadlock shows no signs of ending soon. Republicans and Democrats are stuck in a blame game, with each side accusing the other of being unreasonable. Until they can agree on a funding bill, the shutdown will continue, and so will the problems in the aviation industry.