The government shutdown is worsening an existing air traffic controller shortage by forcing essential controllers to work without pay, causing financial stress and leading to a significant increase in sick calls. This, combined with the pre-existing shortage, results in severe flight delays and cancellations across U.S. airports. Additionally, the shutdown halts new controller training, further hindering efforts to address the long-term staffing problem.
Read more: https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/10/how-shutdown-making-air-traffic-controller-shortage-worse-and-leading-flight-delays/408774/