Summary
The government shutdown is causing issues for air traffic controllers who are working without pay, leading to flight delays across several major airports. The Transportation Secretary and air traffic controllers are concerned about the impact on safety and workforce shortages if the shutdown continues. Some students at the air traffic controller academy are leaving, worried about an unpaid future.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown is causing air traffic controllers to work without pay, leading to flight delays.
- Major airports like New York's LaGuardia, New Jersey's Newark, and Washington's Reagan National experienced delays.
- On a specific Thursday, flight delays climbed to 6,158, up from around 4,000 earlier in the week.
- Staffing shortages at FAA facilities mean even small absences can disrupt airport operations.
- Some students at the air traffic controller academy have left because of concerns about unpaid work.
- New controllers and existing ones are struggling financially, with some taking second jobs or using food banks.
- The ongoing shutdown may worsen, with possible money shortages for student payments at the academy.
- There is a risk that safety could be compromised as controllers face stress from both work and financial uncertainty.
