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US air traffic controller shortages disrupt flights
FAA staffing triggers at dozens of facilities are causing major flight delays across the United States.
Air traffic controller shortages — a sharp spike in controllers out of service — are now being reported at 39 major Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities as of November 1, up from nine the previous day, according to FAA and local reports.
The surge in staffing triggers has led to significant operational disruption at major hubs including Boston Logan (BOS), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), New York-area airspace (JFK/LGA/EWR), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and Houston (IAH). Airport operations teams and carriers have reported delayed departures, altered routings and longer taxi times while controllers manage reduced staffing levels. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has not reported impacts so far.
Why the air traffic controller shortages matter
The FAA links the rapid increase in controller absences to the ongoing government shutdown, which has affected pay and staffing processes. With fewer controllers on duty, facilities enact staffing “triggers” that reduce traffic flow to preserve safety and workload limits — a precaution that translates quickly into system-wide delays during busy periods.
- 39 facilities reported staffing triggers as of November 1 — a dramatic increase from nine the day before.
- Major hubs impacted include BOS, ORD, JFK/LGA/EWR, PHX and IAH.
- The FAA says the government shutdown contributed to the controller staffing issues, prompting the triggers for safety; this is why air traffic controller shortages are disrupting schedules nationwide.
Airlines operating at the affected airports are adjusting schedules and reassigning crews where possible; passengers should expect delays and check carrier alerts before traveling. The situation remains fluid: FAA and local airport statements emphasize safety is unchanged, but passengers and operators should prepare for continued knock-on effects while staffing normalizes.
If you have a flight in or out of the named hubs, monitor your airline’s messages and airport status updates. The FAA and airport authorities will post changes as they work through the staffing strain caused by the shutdown.
