Flight delays at America’s airports are escalating, and as we hit the 31st day of the government shutdown, air traffic controllers are working without pay. For instance, Orlando International Airport recently reported average delays of 2.7 hours due to staff shortages. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that travelers should brace for even more disruptions this weekend.
Throughout the weekdays, air traffic tends to flow more smoothly compared to the weekends, which see a surge in travelers. Duffy mentioned that we currently benefit from mild weather conditions, but as the busy travel season approaches—particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas—we could face significant challenges ahead.
“August is generally the best weather month for flights since weather significantly impacts delays,” Duffy noted. However, despite preferred conditions, we are still witnessing cancellations and delays—underscoring the current turbulence in air travel.
Every day after their last paycheck adds more stress for air traffic controllers. Many are struggling to keep up with expenses like gas, food, and utilities. Duffy said, “As each day passes since that last paycheck, the stress increases,” illustrating the financial burden many are facing.
With many controllers seeking additional income through jobs like Uber or food delivery, fatigue is becoming a major concern. The last people who should be fatigued are those responsible for coordinating air traffic.
An air traffic controller based in Maryland expressed his struggles, stating, “It’s clear to my daughter that I’m under more pressure. She notices my patience is wearing thin, yet she understands the situation.”
Orlando isn’t alone in its delays. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport reported average delays of about 90 minutes, while Los Angeles International Airport faced delays averaging 1 hour and 40 minutes this past Sunday.
To assist, some airlines have begun providing meals for airport staff, including air traffic controllers, as federal workers continue to go unpaid. American Airlines mentioned in a statement that they are offering meals to staff at airports like DFW, PHL, PHX, JFK, LGA, LAX, and MIA.
“We are deeply thankful to the air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and CBP officers for their dedication to ensuring safe travel for our customers, even during the shutdown,” an American Airlines spokesperson said.
However, concerns loom over how these federal employees manage to feed their families without a paycheck. In addition, starting Saturday, SNAP benefits will be paused, affecting 42 million Americans and complicating their ability to afford food.
The ongoing government shutdown has turned political, with some advocating for immediate solutions. One airline CEO publicly pushed for Congress to pass a “clean CR,” emphasizing the urgency for legislation without any attached negotiations on health care tax credits.
What are the current flight delays at airports across the U.S.? Airports are experiencing significant delays due to a shortage of air traffic controllers caused by the government shutdown. Many airports report delays averaging between 1.5 to 3 hours.
How long is the government shutdown expected to last? While no definitive end date has been announced, the ongoing stalemate in Congress suggests that if no agreement is reached, the shutdown could continue for an extended period, heightening travel disruptions.
What can travelers do to prepare for delays? Travelers can check flight statuses, book flights during off-peak hours, and arrive early at the airport to navigate potential delays smoothly.
How are airlines supporting workers during the shutdown? Some airlines are providing meals and support for unpaid federal employees, working to ease their burdens during this challenging time.
In closing, the struggle continues for many involved in the aviation sector amid this unprecedented shutdown. For more insights and updates on the evolving situation, feel free to explore related content at Moyens I/O.