U.S. Airport Delays Escalate Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Fri Dec 05 2025 15:37:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Staff shortages due to the government shutdown are worsening flight delays at airports nationwide, with potential impacts on upcoming holiday travel.

As the government shutdown enters its seventh day, U.S. airports are facing increased flight delays primarily due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and TSA workers. The FAA reports disruptions at major airports and warns of further complications as federal employees are forced to work without pay. Analysts express concerns that the extended shutdown may disrupt Thanksgiving travel plans for millions of Americans.

Staffing shortages led to more flight delays at airports across the U.S. on Tuesday as the federal government shutdown stretched into a seventh day, with union leaders for air traffic controllers and airport security screeners warning of worsening conditions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing issues at major airports including Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia. In an effort to manage the crisis, the agency temporarily slowed takeoffs of planes destined for those cities.

Prior delays were also cited on Monday at Burbank, Newark, and Denver airports, attributed to the insufficient staffing caused by the ongoing shutdown, which began October 1. Despite these disruptions, aviation analytics firm Cirium indicated that approximately 92% of the over 23,600 flights planned for Tuesday were on time.

However, travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt warns that the risk of broader impacts on the U.S. aviation system is “growing by the day” as federal workers in critical roles continue to work without pay. He expressed concerns that prolonged shutdowns could disrupt holiday travel plans this November.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted a surge in sick calls among air traffic controllers at several locations, noting that a lack of available staff is forcing the FAA to reduce takeoffs and landings. Such actions can lead to significant flight delays and cancellations.

The conditions are expected to deteriorate as payday approaches next week, with air traffic controllers and TSA officers potentially facing the strain of unpaid wages, leading to more sick calls and further disruptions.

Amidst these troubles, airports and aviation unions are advocating for the cessation of the shutdown, seeking support from local organizations and initiatives to assist impacted workers, including food vouchers and transportation services.