US shutdown snarls air travel with 5,600+ delays on Day 27
“More than 5,600 US flights delayed as shutdown drags on.”
Key points
- More than 5,600 US flights delayed as shutdown drags on.
- FAA cites staffing shortages at key hubs and facilities.
- Ground stop in Austin; ground-delay program at DFW.
- Thousands of controllers and TSA staff working unpaid.
Air travel disruptions worsened across the United States as the federal government shutdown entered its 27th day, with more than 5,600 flights delayed on Monday after 8,800 delays the previous day. The Federal Aviation Administration cited staffing shortages affecting operations across the Southeast and at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The agency temporarily imposed a ground stop at Austin’s airport and a ground-delay program at Dallas Fort Worth, where average delays reached about 18 minutes. Airlines most affected included Southwest, American, United and Delta, according to FlightAware data.
Roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration employees have been working without pay, and officials warned disruptions could intensify as missed paychecks mount. The FAA is already short thousands of controllers relative to staffing targets, with many working extended hours.
The cascading delays are drawing public frustration and mounting political pressure for a budget resolution. Union representatives said they would step up outreach to highlight safety and service concerns while the shutdown continues.
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