US Flight Operations Hit by Staff Shortage as Shutdown Disrupts Major Airports

A growing staffing crisis across multiple US airport control facilities has led to widespread disruptions, including a temporary halt on flights headed to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Sunday. The situation reflects the mounting strain on the country’s aviation system as air traffic controllers continue working without pay amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that aircraft bound for Los Angeles were held at departure airports beginning at 11:42 a.m. ET, with the ground stop lasting until 1:30 p.m. ET. While flight operations gradually resumed afterward, the staffing issue triggered delays at several major airports throughout the day.

The disruption intensified concerns expressed earlier by US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who warned that travelers should expect more flight delays and cancellations in the coming days if the staffing shortage persists. He noted that an increasing number of air traffic controllers are calling in sick due to financial pressure and mounting stress.

“Controllers are wearing thin,” he stated, highlighting that 22 staffing triggers were recorded just a day prior — one of the highest spikes seen since the shutdown began.

Delays Spread Beyond Los Angeles

Although Los Angeles experienced a brief halt, other airports faced more extensive challenges. Flight data showed Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field recording a larger volume of late arrivals due to combined weather and equipment issues, amplifying operational pressures.

Additionally, the FAA reported staffing-related takeoff and landing slowdowns at:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (New Jersey)

• Teterboro Airport (New Jersey)

• Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)

By Sunday evening, flight traffic into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport was also limited due to shortages in controller coverage.

Ongoing Threat to US Aviation Stability

The absence of financial security for critical aviation workers continues to fuel uncertainty. Aviation analysts warn that even short disruptions can have serious cascading effects across a network as busy as the United States. LAX remains one of the busiest international gateways in the world, and interruptions there often ripple across global routes.

As the shutdown stretches further, questions are growing about:

• Maintaining safety standards under resource strain

• The psychological toll on unpaid aviation staff

• Potential long-term damage to US air traffic reliability

Travelers are advised to monitor airline updates closely as operational challenges are expected to continue.