U.S. Government Shutdown Causes Major Flight Delays at Orlando, Dallas, and Washington Airports

Thousands of travelers faced significant disruptions on Thursday as flights across major U.S. airports were delayed due to a shortage of air traffic controllers amid the ongoing government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the staffing crisis led to widespread delays at Orlando International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Washington, D.C.’s National Airport.

According to the FAA, average delays reached more than two hours in Orlando, 90 minutes in Washington, and 21 minutes in Dallas. Nationwide, nearly 6,000 flights were delayed and over 1,100 were canceled, data from flight-tracking site FlightAware showed. Major carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, experienced disruptions affecting about 20% of their operations.

The ongoing shutdown, which began on October 1, has forced more than 13,000 air traffic controllers to work without pay. Many have taken second jobs to cover expenses, while an increasing number have called in sick, worsening the staffing shortage. The FAA even considered halting landings at Orlando International Airport on Thursday night due to insufficient personnel but managed to avoid closure after securing additional staff.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that controller absences were responsible for 44% of flight delays on Sunday and 24% on Monday, compared to just 5% before the shutdown. The FAA has long struggled with understaffing, currently operating about 3,500 controllers short of its target workforce. Even before the shutdown, many employees were already working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks.

The continuing shortage underscores the growing strain on the U.S. aviation system as the government shutdown extends, raising concerns over air travel safety and efficiency nationwide.