More than 8,000 US flights delayed as air traffic control absences persist

27/10/2025 16:03

More than 8,000 flights were delayed across the U.S. on Sunday as air traffic controller absences continued to disrupt travel and a federal government shutdown reached its 26th day.



U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal Aviation Administration experienced air traffic control staffing issues at 22 locations on Saturday, and added additional shortages were expected to lead to more flight delays and cancellations in the days ahead.



According to FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, there were more than 8,000 U.S. flight delays by 11 p.m. ET on Sunday, an increase from about 5,300 on Saturday. Delays have often been above average since the government shutdown began on October 1.



Some 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers must work even though they are not being paid during the shutdown.



Increased air travel delays and cancellations are being closely watched as observers look for indications that the shutdown is making life harder for Americans. That, in turn, could pressure lawmakers to break the budget deadlock that led to the shutdown.