Continued staffing shortages in air traffic control facilities are causing delays at airports as the government shutdown nears the one-month mark. Controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been warning that travelers will see more flights delayed or canceled the longer they go without a paycheck. The Federal Aviation Administration reported staffing-related delays on Friday at airports in Boston, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, and Newark, New Jersey. Most controllers are continuing to work mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown. Duffy says that leaves little time for a side job to help cover bills, mortgage and other expenses unless controllers call out.
Air traffic controllers are missing another paycheck due to the ongoing government shutdown, raising concerns about financial stress affecting their work. A number of isolated flight delays have been reported since the shutdown began as more controllers call out sick. The Federal Aviation Administration was already short on staff before the shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels emphasize the pressure on controllers. Some are taking second jobs to make ends meet. The shutdown is also hindering efforts to reduce the shortage of controllers. Though pressure is mounting on Congress, Democrats and Republicans have shown little sign of being able to reach a deal to fund the government.