Summary
Flight delays are increasing in the United States because of an ongoing government shutdown that has left air traffic controllers unpaid. This situation has added stress to already understaffed controllers, causing more of them to call in sick. The shutdown is also complicating hiring efforts to address a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers.
Key Facts
- Air traffic controllers have not received their paychecks due to the government shutdown.
- More flight delays are happening as controllers, who are already understaffed, call out sick.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricts flights when there aren't enough controllers, leading to delays.
- Los Angeles International Airport had to stop flights for nearly two hours recently.
- Financial stress is forcing some controllers to work second jobs or worry about basic expenses like medicine.
- Controllers have assembled at airports to push for an end to the shutdown.
- The shortage of air traffic controllers is approximately 3,000, impacting safety and operations.
- Some students have left the air traffic controller academy due to the uncertainty in pay, affecting future staffing levels.
