Government Shutdown Worsens Flight Delays at U.S. Airports

Government shutdown flight delays are getting worse, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said the ongoing government shutdown is intensifying air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages and worsening passenger delays at major U.S. airports. The staffing pressure is reducing operational resilience at key hubs and is already affecting reliability for travelers and crews.

Why government shutdown flight delays are rising

Airlines and airport operators are reporting more frequent late arrivals and longer on-ground waits as fewer controllers cover complex arrival and departure flows. ATC (Air Traffic Control) staffing gaps force reroutes, ground holds and tighter flow management — measures that ripple through schedules across the network.

The impact is both practical and passenger-facing: more time at the gate, missed connections and heavier workloads for ground staff. Industry groups are urging lawmakers to resolve the budget impasse quickly to restore normal staffing levels and avoid wider disruptions during the busy travel season.

• What travelers can expect: contingency plans, earlier check‑in, flexible rebooking options and continued risk of government shutdown flight delays until staffing stabilizes.

Airlines emphasize that many operational fixes depend on ATC availability rather than aircraft or crew alone. Airports, carriers and unions have called for fast action to prevent cancellations and protect on‑time performance while passengers plan trips. For now, carriers recommend building extra time into itineraries and monitoring airline alerts for schedule changes.