America’s airports are in turmoil — again.
For the second straight day, thousands of US flights have been delayed or canceled.
The ongoing government shutdown pushes the nation’s air traffic control system to the brink.
By Tuesday evening, major hubs like Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, and Newark were all feeling the strain.
At one point, Chicago’s O’Hare even issued a ground delay.
In California, things got so bad that air traffic at Hollywood Burbank Airport had to be managed remotely for nearly six hours.
What’s The Problem?
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy admitted the problem is simple but severe: too few controllers, too much stress, and zero pay.
“They’re working six days a week, 10 hours a day.
Now they’re worried about when they’ll get paid,” said union official Drew MacQueen, calling the situation “exhausting and unfair.”
About 3,200 flights were delayed on Tuesday alone.
The Federal Aviation Administration says it’s prioritizing safety — even if that means slowing down traffic nationwide.
The shutdown, now in its seventh day, has left nearly 750,000 federal employees without pay.
Lawmakers remain deadlocked over the budget, and the ripple effects are hitting travelers first.
As one weary passenger put it at Dallas Airport: “Feels like Washington’s gridlock just made it to the runway.”
