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Major US airports experience delays as government shutdown hits air travel

October 8, 2025

The ongoing US government shutdown, now in its seventh day, is causing significant air travel disruptions across the country due to air traffic controller staffing shortages. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that staffing has dropped to 50% in some areas as controllers, who must work without pay during shutdowns, are calling in sick due to stress. Major airports in Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, Newark, and other cities are experiencing delays, with Nashville International Airport reducing all flights "until further notice.

Who is affected

  • US air travelers experiencing flight delays and cancellations
  • Air traffic controllers working without pay during the shutdown
  • Approximately 3,200 US flights delayed as of Tuesday afternoon
  • Passengers at multiple airports including Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, Newark, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas and Burbank
  • About 750,000 federal workers (40% of federal workforce) placed on unpaid leave

What action is being taken

  • The FAA is issuing ground delays at affected airports including Chicago O'Hare
  • Nashville International Airport is reducing all incoming and outgoing flights
  • Transportation officials are slowing down air traffic to maintain safety despite staffing shortages
  • The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is warning members against job actions
  • Air traffic controllers are remotely managing some facilities (like Burbank) when they cannot be staffed in person

Why it matters

  • Air traffic controller staffing has dropped to 50% in some areas, compromising the efficiency of air travel
  • Essential workers like air traffic controllers are working without pay, causing stress and financial hardship
  • The situation mirrors the 2019 government shutdown which ended after air travel disruptions became severe
  • Safety concerns are increasing as controllers work longer hours while dealing with financial stress
  • The interruptions to air travel could potentially influence negotiations to end the government shutdown

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

Major US airports experience delays as government shutdown hits air travel