Government shutdown leaves LA area airport without air traffic controllers for hours
Teh article reports that during the federal government shutdown, Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles experienced a notable shortage of air traffic controllers, leaving its air traffic control tower unmanned for several hours on a Monday (from approximately 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m.). As an inevitable result, flights were delayed by an average of two hours and 30 minutes. During this period, Southern California TRACON, an FAA-operated radar control center based in San Diego, managed the airport’s airspace to maintain safety.The FAA typically reduces flight volumes when staffing is low to prevent overloading controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted an increase in sick calls among controllers during the shutdown, emphasizing that safety must remain the priority even if it causes delays or cancellations. Although air traffic controllers are essential workers required to work without pay during shutdowns,the staffing issues led to operational challenges. California Governor Gavin newsom criticized President Donald Trump for the situation. Similar staffing shortages and delays were reported at other major U.S. airports as well, with past precedents during previous government shutdowns causing widespread flight disruptions.
Government shutdown leaves LA area airport without air traffic controllers for hours
Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles had no air traffic controllers in the air traffic control tower for several hours on Monday amid a shortage of them during the federal government shutdown.
From about 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m., the air traffic control tower was unmanned. Flights out of the airport were delayed an average of two hours and 30 minutes due to the staffing shortage.
Southern California TRACON controlled the air traffic in the airport’s airspace. TRACON, which already handles a large amount of air traffic in the area, is a San Diego-based organization operated by the Federal Aviation Administration. It utilizes radar technology to safely navigate planes through Southern California’s airspace, which contains several major airports.
When a shortage of air traffic controllers occurs, the FAA reduces the number of takeoffs and landings to ensure on-duty air traffic controllers are not overwhelmed by flight volume.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday that the FAA saw a small increase in air traffic controllers calling out sick during the shutdown.
“I want to see your flight not be delayed. I don’t want you canceled, but our priorities are safety. So if we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people,” Duffy said.
Federal employees, for the most part, are not paid during a government shutdown, but they receive back pay when the government reopens. Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers, so they are expected to continue working without pay during shutdowns.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) placed the blame on President Donald Trump for the staffing problems.
“Thanks,@realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15pm to 10pm today because of YOUR government shutdown,” he said on social media.
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The FAA said staffing problems have caused delays at several U.S. airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Toward the end of the five-week government shutdowns in 2018 and 2019, the United States saw widespread flight delays due to air traffic controller shortages.
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