TC Shortage in the U.S. Causes Flight Disruptions
The ongoing government shutdown in the United States has led to staffing shortages in air traffic control, resulting in flight delays in some regions.
Although air traffic controllers (ATCs) — classified as “critical personnel” by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — continue to work, their pay has been temporarily suspended. Following this, reports emerged of staff shortages and absenteeism at some control centers.
According to Reuters, flight volume was reduced in areas including Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York, and some airports implemented “ground delay” procedures. Business Insider reported that the control tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport was briefly unmanned and managed remotely from another center.
U.S. media outlets noted that the FAA currently faces a shortage of about 3,500 air traffic controllers, and the government shutdown has temporarily worsened this gap.
Officials from the FAA and the Department of Transportation emphasized that safety measures remain fully in place and that flight operations are not at risk. However, experts warn that prolonged budget crises could negatively affect training programs and the recruitment of new personnel.
