FAA reports major flight delays amid staff shortages

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today reports further air traffic problems in several parts of the country, which are causing flight disruptions at New York’s JFK International Airport due to a shortage of staff at air traffic control centers in New York, Indianapolis, and Boston.

The situation is linked to the ongoing government shutdown, which has now lasted a month, CE Report quotes ANSA.

At New York’s LaGuardia Airport, passengers are experiencing delays of about 140 minutes, and nearly two hours at Newark Liberty International. There are also problems in Dallas, Boston, Houston, and Phoenix.

Not all staffing shortages result in delays, as air traffic controllers can reroute flights, but sometimes there is no choice but to slow air traffic to ensure safety.

Air traffic controllers are considered essential personnel and must work during the shutdown, even though they are not being paid.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that some controllers have called in sick in protest, while others are taking time to perform other jobs.