The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 12 facilities short-staffed on Friday, leading to delays for travelers. The staffing shortages caused disruptions at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and other airports across the country.
Two parts of the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center, which manages flights over a large portion of the Southwest, were understaffed until 3 p.m. ET. Chicago Center, Indianapolis Center, New York Center, Central Florida TRACON, Southern California TRACON, and the Chicago TRACON also faced staffing issues.
The FAA’s Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said “a small fraction” of controllers were “lashing out” due to the government shutdown, but did not provide further details. Air traffic controllers are considered essential employees and must work during the shutdown despite not being paid.
The agency emphasized that air travel is safe, but the system can be slowed down by staffing shortages. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said that safety and efficiency depend on unpaid air traffic controllers showing up to work.
Air traffic controllers will receive a partial paycheck for hours worked before the shutdown but will not be paid until the government reopens. The agency vows to delay flights whenever necessary to ensure safe operations.
Local leaders of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) defended their members, saying they are highly trained and skilled professionals who continue to work safely during the shutdown despite not being paid.
The FAA is facing staffing shortages due to years of understaffing, which can lead to delayed flights even with a small number of absences.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/10/10/us/air-traffic-control-staffing