More than 8,000 US flights delayed as air traffic control absences persist

The shutdown entered its 26th day, creating mounting frustration for passengers and pressure on lawmakers to end the budget impasse.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortages at 22 air traffic control facilities on Saturday, with further disruptions expected in the coming days. He warned that additional delays and cancellations were likely as more controllers called in absent.

According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, more than 8,000 flights were delayed across the country by 11 p.m. ET on Sunday, up from about 5,300 the previous day. Since the shutdown began on October 1, average daily delays have been significantly higher than usual.

Southwest Airlines saw the biggest impact, with 45 percent of its flights—around 2,000—delayed on Sunday. American Airlines followed with nearly 1,200 delays, or one-third of its schedule, while United Airlines and Delta Air Lines reported 739 and 610 delayed flights, respectively.

The disruptions come as about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers continue to work without pay due to the shutdown. Many have missed paychecks and are taking second jobs to make ends meet.

Duffy told Fox News that Saturday’s 22 controller shortage “triggers” represented one of the highest levels of strain in the system since the shutdown began. “That’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin,” he said.

The FAA reported staffing-related ground delays at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Washington’s Reagan National Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday. A similar halt at Los Angeles International Airport was lifted later in the day.

Officials in the Trump administration have warned that disruptions will worsen as controllers miss their first full paycheck for October on Tuesday. The FAA is already about 3,500 controllers below its target staffing level, with many employees working six-day weeks and mandatory overtime even before the shutdown.

Observers say the growing travel chaos could pressure lawmakers to reach a deal to reopen the government. Duffy and other Republicans blamed Democrats for blocking a short-term funding bill, while Democrats accused President Donald Trump and his allies of refusing to negotiate over health care subsidies that expired at the end of the year.