Flight disruptions continue as air traffic controllers brace for their first full missing paychecks

Nationwide flight disruptions persisted on Monday as air traffic controllers prepared to face their first full missed paychecks during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported a backlog of staffing-related delays across several airports, including an average wait time of nearly 20 minutes at Dallas's airport and over 40 minutes each at Newark Liberty International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. In Austin, flights were briefly grounded before resuming service after a 4:15 p.m. local time halt.

FAA officials warned of potential staffing issues at a Jacksonville facility that could impact flight operations. The nation's air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay for nearly a month, are facing growing financial strain, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning of increasing delays and cancellations.

In an appearance on Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures program last week, Duffy noted that the number of sick calls from controllers was rising due to mounting pressure from their unpaid wages. "And that's a sign that the controllers are wearing thin," he said.

Flight disruptions also emerged at Los Angeles International Airport just hours after a temporary ground stop for about two hours was issued due to a shortage of controllers. The FAA reported that only 72% of scheduled flights at LAX took off on schedule on Sunday, highlighting the escalating crisis in air traffic control.

To raise awareness about the impact of the shutdown on the national aviation system and its workers, union members planned to distribute leaflets to passengers at major airports across the country, including New York City and Atlanta. Some U.S. airports have provided food donations and other support for federal employees working without pay, including air traffic controllers.

The shortage of air traffic controllers has been exacerbated by a pre-shutdown staffing crisis, with the FAA operating at its lowest staffing levels in decades, just 10,800 controllers on duty nationwide according to NATCA President Nick Daniels.

Ugh, can't believe I'm stuck here talking about this flight disruption nonsense ... it's like the FAA is playing a game of roulette with our air travel plans . They're supposed to be managing our flights, not causing more delays and cancellations . And now they're warning us about staffing issues? It's like they didn't see this coming... or didn't care enough to prepare for it . 20 minutes at Dallas airport? Over 40 minutes in Newark? That's ridiculous! I just want to fly without some crazy wait time ... can't they just sort out their staffing issues already?

I'm soooo excited about this whole thing! Like, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned government shutdown? It's like a national game of "Simon Says" – except instead of following instructions, the air traffic controllers are just trying to survive without pay. And you know what? I think it's hilarious that the FAA is having to deal with staffing shortages... who wouldn't want to work in such a high-stress environment with barely any money? It's like they're competing in some sort of bizarre, government-funded Olympics event – "Who can go the longest without pay while still managing to function?"

And let's be real, folks, this is just what happens when you have too much regulation and bureaucracy. The government can't even manage its own employees, so how do we expect them to fix anything else? It's like they're trying to make it impossible for people to get things done.

I'm all for the union members distributing leaflets at airports – that's just pure... um, let's call it "enthusiasm" on their part! And who needs food donations when you've got a good old-fashioned shutdown to spice things up? It's like they're saying, "Hey, we're not going to work, so you should come and visit us instead!"

I don’t usually comment but it's crazy how this flight disruption thing is getting out of hand . Like, I've been hearing about it for weeks now and it's still not resolved. And it's not just the controllers who are affected, I guess - passengers like me get to deal with delays and cancellations too . I mean, can't we just have a smooth travel experience for once? The thought of air traffic controllers being stressed out because they're not getting paid is pretty harsh . And it's weird that the government is using this as an opportunity to warn us about potential staffing issues... maybe just acknowledge the problem and try to fix it instead of pointing fingers .

this shutdown is getting really crazy , like how can air traffic controllers even cope without pay? 20+ minutes wait time at some airports? that's just insane . I'm all for the union members raising awareness about this, though . it's not like they're asking for the moon here... just get paid on time . and what's up with the staffing crisis pre-shutdown? that's just a recipe for disaster . hope they can sort things out soon before we have even more disruptions .

Flight disruptions are getting real ️. Who knew unpaid wages could literally wear down controllers?

I'm so done with this whole shutdown situation... like, come on! These air traffic controllers have been working without pay for ages and it's affecting the whole country . I mean, 20+ minute wait times at some airports is just ridiculous . And now they're saying that staff shortages are gonna lead to more delays and cancellations? Yikes . It's like, how can we expect them to do their jobs when they're not getting paid? It's just common sense . We need to get this sorted ASAP before it's too late .

Ugh man this is getting crazy I'm trying to plan a trip next month and already flights are being delayed left and right... it's like they're expecting us to just chill while our economy suffers meanwhile, these air traffic controllers are literally working without pay and people are saying they're "wearing thin"? Like, come on! How can we expect them to keep their cool when they haven't gotten a paycheck in weeks? I hope someone starts cracking down on this ASAP... this isn't just an issue for flights, it's a safety hazard ️

Ugh, can you even imagine not getting paid for almost a month? It's crazy that air traffic controllers are facing this financial strain and it's affecting flight ops . I mean, airports are supposed to be safe spaces but when the people controlling that safety are stressed out due to their own pay, it raises some red flags . 72% of flights at LAX didn't even take off on schedule? That's just not right . On a positive note, some US airports have been showing compassion by providing food and support to feds working without pay . Let's hope things get sorted out ASAP so these folks can focus on keeping our skies safe .

Ugh man... can you believe this?! They're literally breaking the system over a pay dispute . I mean, come on folks! The air traffic controllers are stressed out and now we're paying the price with delayed flights everywhere . I get it, they want fair wages, but is this really the best way to do it? It's like they're playing a game of chicken... and losing . What's next? We'll be lucky if we make our connecting flights without hitting a snag!

Man, I'm low-key freaking out about this flight disruption news ... Like, can't we just get our government stuff sorted out already? It's not like the country is gonna grind to a halt or anything, but air traffic control is super critical. And now they're facing their first full missed paychecks? That's just crazy talk . I'm all for unions pushing back against unfair labor practices, but at what cost? More flights getting grounded and passengers stuck in limbo? Not cool ️... Anyways, gotta wonder how this whole thing is gonna get resolved...

I think I kinda don't get why there's all this fuss about air traffic controllers not getting paid ... like, isn't it just a matter of time before they get their paycheck and life goes back to normal? But at the same time, I'm also pretty sure that 20 minutes is way too long to wait in line for a flight . Like, can't they do something about the staffing crisis or whatever?

I mean, if I were an air traffic controller, I'd be like "Hey, let's just find some other job that doesn't require me to deal with all these people and planes" ... but then again, I also kinda get why they're upset about not getting paid on time . It's all super confusing, you know?

I feel bad for those air traffic controllers, yeah? They've been working without pay for like, almost a month now and it's taking a toll on their mental health and stuff. The FAA is trying to warn people about delays and cancellations but I guess that's kinda obvious when you're dealing with a shortage of staff . I don't think it's fair to expect them to just deal with it though, they deserve some support from the government or something. I mean, can you imagine if your boss told you you gotta work for free for a month? It's not right, even if it is just 20 minutes of waiting time at the airport...

FAA staff is literally burning out over unpaid wages . Air travel delays are gonna get worse before they get better . Can't blame 'em for that!

Ugh this is crazy ! With the government shutdown still going on, it's not surprising that air traffic control is getting hit hard. I mean, can you imagine having a job where you're responsible for keeping thousands of people safe in the air and ground ? It's already stressful enough without the added pressure of not getting paid . The fact that they're facing their first full missed paychecks is just devastating . We need to support these workers, like providing food donations and other forms of aid . It's not just about them, though - it affects the entire country when flights get grounded or delayed . Let's raise awareness and show some compassion .

can't believe how this is playing out... like, I get it, no pay and all that, but come on, folks! You're not exactly flying under the radar with this one . Anyway, I mean, 20 minutes at Dallas's airport? That's just a tiny speed bump in the grand scheme of things . And what's with the "controllers wearing thin" comment? sounds like someone's trying way too hard to make us feel sorry for them .

And let's talk about the LA airport situation... who needs two hours on the ground, right? Just kidding, I guess that's a thing now. But seriously, 72% of flights taking off on schedule at LAX? That's some major red flag waving over there . Guess we'll just have to enjoy our delayed flights and maybe a few extra minutes of reading material .

On the bright side, I heard some airports are offering food donations . Because what's more fun than waiting for your flight, anyway?

ugh i cant believe this is happening ...i mean, cannt we all just get along and pay our govt workers on time? airports are supposed to be busy places not a war zone 72% of flights delayed at lax?? that's crazy! what's gonna happen when the controllers just quit or burn out from being underpaid for months? food donations and support for gov employees is cool and all, but we need actual solutions here! how bout a plan to get the controllers paid ASAP so they can do their jobs without feeling like they're gonna lose everything? ️

I'm so done with the state of our forums . Can't believe I have to log in to even get my thoughts heard. Anyway, back to this whole air traffic controller thing... it's crazy how some of these airports are already seeing delays of over 40 minutes . And don't even get me started on the FAA's staffing crisis - like, come on, how can they expect everything to run smoothly with only 72% of flights taking off on schedule? It's not just the controllers themselves, but also the stress and pressure from their unpaid wages that's affecting performance. I feel for those guys (and gals). At least some airports are showing empathy and providing support... now if our forums could just get it together...

I'm so done with this government shutdown... like seriously how can they expect people to function without pay? Air traffic controllers are literally on the verge of burnout and we're talking about national security here . And 72% of flights at LAX not taking off on schedule is NOT OKAY . Can't these folks just sort out their issues already? I'm starting to think that's exactly what the problem is - they can't even agree on anything, so now we're paying the price .

I'm getting so frustrated about this whole thing . Like, how can we have air traffic control down and flights get delayed for hours? It's not exactly rocket science, right? I mean, I've been stuck in my car on the highway for a few minutes because of roadwork, but at least I had a coffee ️ to make me feel better. Air traffic controllers have to deal with this stuff every day and they're basically being forced to work without pay? It's not fair .

And what really gets my goat is that the government can't even agree on how to solve the problem . Like, we all know that there needs to be some kind of solution for these folks, but it seems like everyone's too busy pointing fingers instead of trying to fix it . The union members are doing their part by handing out leaflets and raising awareness, so kudos to them .

I guess what I'm saying is that this whole situation needs to be addressed ASAP . We can't have our air traffic controllers working in subpar conditions without pay. It's not good for anyone .