❓WHAT HAPPENED: Staffing shortages at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control centers led to a temporary ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air passengers, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday afternoon, Newark Liberty International Airport, with potential impacts at other major airports.
💬KEY QUOTE: “We have more people calling in sick, more people not showing up for work,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
🎯IMPACT: Over 2,700 flight delays were reported by 4 PM EDT, contributing to a week of significant travel disruptions.
On Wednesday, staffing shortages at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control centers led to a temporary ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport. The FAA issued an advisory at 3:30 PM EDT highlighting staffing triggers at three control facilities, including the Philadelphia TRACON Area C, the New York ARTCC Area D, and the Indianapolis ARTCC Area 5.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the situation, stating that the increasing number of staffing triggers is a “sign that the controllers are wearing thin” amid the Senate Democrats’ government shutdown. He noted a rise in absences, with more personnel calling in sick or not showing up for work. Saturday marked the highest number of staffing triggers since the shutdown began, with 22 air traffic control facilities affected.
The ground stop at Newark was issued shortly after 3 PM EDT, with potential ground stops or delays flagged for New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport after 4 PM EDT, and at Dallas and Washington’s Reagan National until 10 PM EDT. As of 4 PM EDT, FlightAware reported over 2,700 flight delays, adding to the 21,000 flights delayed earlier in the week.
The current staffing issues are reminiscent of the 35-day shutdown of 2018-2019, where missing the first paycheck led to increased absences among air traffic controllers. This week, controllers received their first “zero paychecks,” exacerbating the situation as some seek temporary second jobs. Congressional Republicans have tried to pass funding bills multiple times, but the Senate Democrats have consistently blocked them.
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