Government Shutdown Leads to Growing Flight Delays Across U.S. Airports ✈️

Government Shutdown Triggers New Wave of Flight Delays

If you have flown recently and found yourself sitting at the gate with no storm on the radar and no mechanical issue, but still not moving, you are not imagining things. Airports across the United States are experiencing growing flight delays linked to the air traffic controller shortage caused by the ongoing government shutdown.

Air traffic controllers are required to work during shutdowns, even without pay. When staffing levels fall below safe operating minimums, the FAA slows the number of planes allowed to take off and land. Think of it like metering traffic on a highway. To avoid a pileup, fewer cars enter the road. The skies remain safe, but everything moves slower.

The shutdown has now lasted long enough that many controllers and TSA screeners have missed full paychecks. Some are calling out while working side jobs to pay rent or keep food on the table. According to FAA updates, controller callouts spiked over the weekend, and at one point Orlando International Airport had no certified air traffic controllers available in the tower, forcing arrivals to halt.

At several airports, TSA lines have stretched to three hours as staff shortage ripple into security checkpoints.

Where the Delays Are Happening

According to FAA delay logs and real-time data from FlightAware, the following airports have seen recurring delays tied to staffing shortages:

• Newark (EWR)

• JFK (New York City)

• LaGuardia (LGA)

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

• Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW)

• Houston (IAH)

• Denver (DEN)

• Phoenix (PHX)

• San Francisco (SFO)

• Miami (MIA)

Newark is especially influential. A backlog there frequently ripples into JFK and LaGuardia because all three airports share airspace. One bottleneck can trigger a nationwide slowdown.

Why the FAA Is Slowing Flights

Even before the shutdown, the country was short roughly 3,000 air traffic controllers. Training new controllers takes years, not weeks.

During the shutdown:

• Controllers are working without pay

• Some are calling out to find temporary income

• TSA absences are increasing due to financial strain

In some facilities, as many as 80 percent of controller positions have been unfilled during shifts. FAA statements confirm that when staffing drops, traffic slows:

• More space between aircraft

• Fewer takeoffs per hour

• Longer taxi or holding times

Flying remains safe because safety is prioritized over schedule. The tradeoff is time.

How Travelers Can Reduce Stress and Avoid Travel Disruptions

Here are practical ways to protect your trip during the shutdown, based on how the FAA handles traffic slowdowns:

1. Book morning flights.
Delays compound throughout the day, so the earlier your flight, the better your odds.

2. Avoid tight layovers.
A short connection in Newark or Chicago is risky in the current system.

3. Travel with a carry-on instead of checking luggage.
If your flight is rebooked, your bag stays with you rather than taking its own vacation.

4. Use the airline app as your first line of defense.
Airlines often rebook automatically, and you will receive options in the app faster than waiting in line.

Your Passenger Rights During Shutdown-Related Flight Delays

Here is what airlines are required to offer you, even during shutdown-related delays:

• If your flight is canceled, you can request a full refund to your original payment method.

• If your flight is delayed because of air traffic control staffing, airlines are not required to provide compensation.

• If the airline offers rebooking, you can decline and choose a refund instead.

When Will Delays Improve?

Flight delays will improve when the shutdown ends and air traffic controllers receive pay. The aviation system functions as one interconnected network, so when staffing falls short in one tower, delays ripple across the country.

Until funding is restored, expect more:

• Flow control programs

• Ground stops at major airports

• Longer taxi and wait times

• Longer security wait lines when TSA staffing drops

The skies are still safe. They are simply slower.

FAQ: Flight Delays and the Government Shutdown

Why are flights delayed even when there is no obvious problem?

When air traffic controller staffing falls below safe levels, the FAA slows the number of planes allowed to take off and land. Fewer aircraft are cleared per hour, resulting in delays across multiple airports.

Is flying still safe during the shutdown?

Yes. Air traffic controllers are prioritizing safety by reducing traffic flow. Flights are slower, not less safe.

Can airlines compensate me for delays caused by air traffic control staffing?

No. When delays are caused by air traffic control or FAA staffing, airlines are not legally required to provide compensation because it is considered outside their control.

Can I get a refund if I decide not to fly?

Yes. If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full refund to your original payment method, even if the shutdown is the cause.

Do I have to accept rebooking instead of a refund?

No. If your flight is canceled, you can decline the rebooking and request a refund instead.

What does “ATC delay” or “flow control program” mean on my flight status?

It means the FAA is limiting takeoffs and landings due to staffing or airspace capacity. Your plane may be ready, but not cleared to depart yet.

Why do delays at Newark or JFK affect airports in other states?

Major hub airports share airspace. When Newark slows departures or arrivals, flights across the country can be affected because aircraft and crews miss their next scheduled connections.

Is this related to a pilot shortage?

No. This delay issue is linked to a federal air traffic controller shortage and staffing restrictions, not pilots.

How long will the delays last?

Delays are expected to continue until the shutdown ends and staffing returns to normal levels.