Delays at US airports as staff absences surge, aviation agency says

The Federal Aviation Administration reported significant flight delays across major US airports due to a surge in air traffic controller absences, with approximately 80% of controllers missing work in New York as the government shutdown entered its second month. Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without payment during this period, causing immense stress and fatigue among these essential federal workers who are required to remain on duty despite not receiving paychecks. The FAA reduced air traffic flow to maintain safety standards, resulting in roughly 6,000 delayed flights and nearly 500 cancellations on Friday alone.