As the government shutdown entered its eighth day, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported new staffing shortages affecting key air traffic control centers, including Newark Liberty International Airport.
The facility was short-staffed for two hours Wednesday morning as the Department of Transportation cited a rise in sick calls among controllers who are required to work without pay.
Air traffic control staffing shortfalls caused a second consecutive day of delays at multiple US airports as the shutdown persisted, the FAA said https://t.co/YydRxEiN9T pic.twitter.com/IazoD2FgE2
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 8, 2025
Similar shortages were reported this week in Nashville, Chicago, and Boston, forcing delays and temporary shutdowns at several airports.
Controllers, who have long faced understaffing and mandatory overtime, warn that the system’s fragility is being exposed.
With no deal in sight between Democrats and Republicans on a spending bill, the government shutdown is straining air travel with the FAA warning of staff shortages at major airports nationwide. @ReeveWill reports. pic.twitter.com/DQo9hJe3SS
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 8, 2025
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed “radical Democrats” for prolonging the shutdown, while union leaders urged Congress to end the impasse and fund critical services.
Our air traffic control workforce deserves to go to work, get paid, and not have the distraction of a government shutdown threatening their well-being and the well-being of their families. @SenSchumer, @SenateDems, stop playing politics with Americans' safety. Open up the… pic.twitter.com/mGxPKImMWG
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) October 7, 2025
With more bad weather expected across major cities, delays could worsen as unpaid controllers struggle to maintain safe skies.
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TIPP Staff
