Nationwide flight delays mount as U.S. Government shutdown strains FAA staffing

Air travel across the United States faced a third consecutive day of widespread delays on Wednesday as the government shutdown continued to impact Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, now working without pay, have forced the FAA to reduce flight volumes at several major airports, including Washington National, Orlando International, and Newark Liberty.

Delays have also been reported in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philadelphia, and Phoenix, with Nashville seeing average wait times of around two hours Tuesday night.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed an increase in sick calls among controllers but stressed that safety remains the top priority, even if it means limiting flights. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association urged members not to engage in coordinated absences, warning that such actions are illegal and could lead to termination.

Compounding the disruption, the White House signalled that furloughed federal employees may not receive back pay once the shutdown ends. The FAA also cautioned that it will have limited public communication during the shutdown, as weather-related delays add to the mounting travel chaos.