Nearly 50% of 30 busiest airports facing absences as staff are forced to work without pay and shutdown hits 31st day
Nearly 50% of the 30 busiest US airports faced shortages of air traffic controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Friday, leading to flight delays nationwide as a federal government shutdown hit its 31st day.
The absence of controllers on Friday is by far the most widespread since the shutdown began, with one of the worst-hit regions being New York, where 80% of air traffic controllers were out, the agency said.
At least 35 FAA facilities, including several at the largest US airports, reported staffing problems. Airports affected included facilities in New York City, Austin, Newark, Phoenix, Washington, Nashville, Dallas and Denver. At some airports, delays averaged one hour or more.
The entire US is wile e coyote. It’s off the edge of the cliff and gravity is about to kick in any second.
MOAR
I’m on a delayed flight right now!
I only wish it had gotten worse before today so I didn’t have to go at all. That said, if it collapses before next Monday I’ll be happier, even if I have to drive 1,000 miles back home. I really don’t want to go to NYC after only a few days home from Arizona. I’m tired. Justifiable cause to cancel work flights sounds nice. I also don’t want people to get hurt, so I hope whatever happens it’s not terrible tragedy.
