As we write this, the U.S. government has been shut down for eight days and counting. Yet, this shutdown has resulted in unprecedented chaos and slowing of air travel throughout the country. Airports across California and Tennessee are experiencing widespread disruptions as staffing shortages in air traffic control cause delays. As a consequence, travelers across the country are suffering crippling flight delays and operational chaos.
In nearby Los Angeles County, the Hollywood Burbank Airport was forced to temporarily suspend all air traffic control services on Monday. This unexpected closure forced the airport’s control tower to shut down for several hours, necessitating that air traffic management be transferred to a facility in San Diego. In a recent article the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged that what happened at Hollywood Burbank Airport was directly connected to the shutdown.
At Hollywood Burbank Airport, flight delays averaged around 2.5 hours because there simply weren’t enough staff. At the same time, Nashville International Airport was experiencing intense disruptions, with dangerously low air traffic control staffing. Everything traffic was passing over was handed off to the new Memphis air traffic control center. They released a temporary ground stop. Even Nashville International Airport saw arrivals delays reach more than two hours, a further sign of the severe staffing shortages’ deepening effects.
Staffing Shortages Impact Operations
Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers, yet over 13,000 of them are currently expected to work without pay due to the government shutdown. Returning to today’s short staff, the FAA shared the long-standing staffing shortages across the entire system. Consequently, airport traffic management has been delayed at some airports to maintain safe operations.
“There have been increased staffing shortages across the system. When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations.” – FAA
The story remains dynamic as the shutdown stretches on. On December 30, the FAA released an updated list of the portions of the Department of Transportation that are now closed or on furlough. This dual limitation makes air travel logistics even more difficult this year.
Current Effects on Travelers
Despite these significant operational hurdles, there has not been a direct impact on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wait times as of the time of publication. As travelers are warned to stay alert and expect delays in the face of the ongoing shutdown, now at two weeks and counting. The compounding effects of the current crisis will continue to create additional challenges for travelers who depend on air travel.
As the government shutdown continues, airports around the country continue to feel the impacts on air travel. With air traffic control staff already working under difficult circumstances, passengers need to be braced for additional delays and changes in operation.
Looking Ahead
With the ongoing government shutdown, these questions couldn’t be more timely or urgent. How long will this last, and what will the long-term impact be on air travel? Important air traffic operations are continuing, but they’re under pressure. Understaffed facilities pose significant challenges to maintaining safety and the effective, efficient management of our nation’s air travel. Stakeholders across the aviation industry will be watching these developments with great interest, as they strive to adjust and respond to this urgent global crisis.
