More than 8,000 flights across the United States were delayed at the weekend due to the absence of air traffic controllers caused by the federal government shutdown.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Reuters that the Federal Aviation Administration experienced air traffic control staffing issues at 22 locations on Saturday.
He added that additional shortages were expected to lead to more flight delays and cancellations in the days ahead.
Since the shutdown began on October 1, more than 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers have been forced to work without compensation, leading to widespread staff shortages, absenteeism and mounting safety concerns.
Major airports including Phoenix Sky Harbor and San Diego have reported ground delays and flight disruptions, with some towers temporarily abandoned due to lack of personnel.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has furloughed more than 11,000 employees, further straining operations. Controllers, some of whom have resorted to driving for Uber to make ends meet, warn that the system is nearing a breaking point.
“We’re doing our best to keep the skies safe, but morale is crumbling,” said one anonymous controller.
Lawmakers remain deadlocked over federal budget negotiations, with both parties blaming each other for the impasse.
