US Shutdown Sparks Air Traffic Control Staffing Crisis
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has publicly recognized that the government shutdown is intensifying stress on already overworked and understaffed air traffic control (ATC) employees.
Some ATC facilities have reported that up to 50 percent of their staff called in sick on multiple days since the shutdown began the previous week on October 1, 2025.
Although Duffy affirmed that the country’s airspace remains safe, he expressed concern that the increase in absences relates to financial worries. Classified as mandatory federal employees, air traffic controllers continue to work without pay and are likely to miss their next paycheck on October 14.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association urges its members to remain on duty, warning that failure to report to work could result in job termination.
The rising number of absences is raising concerns about flight delays and cancellations as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is forced to limit airspace capacity in sectors affected by staffing shortages.
Delays have already occurred at several US airports, including Newark Liberty International, Denver International, and airports in the Los Angeles area.
Duffy warned that if the current pattern of sick calls continues or intensifies, the FAA will reduce the flow of takeoffs and landings to maintain safety, which would inevitably disrupt the travel of more passengers.
Additionally, the government shutdown has led to furloughs for 11,322 FAA employees, further straining aviation operations.
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