The U.S. aviation system faced one of its most turbulent weekends of the year as more than 5,800 flights were delayed nationwide on Sunday, according to data compiled by FlightAware and confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The delays, which rippled through major hubs including Atlanta, Dallas–Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, and Newark, have been largely attributed to an ongoing shortage of air-traffic controllers—a crisis exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The FAA acknowledged that staffing deficits and mandatory overtime among critical personnel are straining operations. The agency estimates that it currently employs about 3,500 fewer controllers than needed to ensure optimal coverage across the nation’s 22 air-traffic control centers. Many employees are reportedly working extended shifts to compensate for absent colleagues, some of whom have refused additional hours due to fatigue or financial strain after weeks without pay.
“The system is being held together by people working double shifts,” said a senior representative of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). “Without immediate action, delays could worsen ahead of the busy holiday season.”
Airlines, including American, Delta, and Southwest, reported significant disruptions, with roughly 20 percent of their scheduled flights delayed. While no widespread cancellations were reported, several carriers have warned of potential knock-on effects throughout the week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urged Congress to resolve the funding impasse that has left federal aviation workers unpaid, calling the situation “untenable for both employees and travelers.”
Industry analysts say the current disruption underscores long-standing vulnerabilities in U.S. air infrastructure. “It’s not just about the shutdown,” noted aviation consultant Mary Carver. “Controller shortages have been a known issue for years, and this crisis has simply exposed how fragile the system has become.”
Travel experts recommend that passengers check flight statuses regularly, allow extra connection time, and book early-morning departures, which are statistically less affected by cascading delays later in the day.
As the FAA works to stabilize schedules, travelers nationwide continue to face mounting frustration — and uncertainty — over when the skies will finally clear.
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Sources: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); FlightAware; Reuters; National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA); U.S. Department of Transportation.