FAA Slows Traffic To Maintain Safe Operating Margins

The FAA says that the growing absence of air traffic controllers are contributing to thousands of delays in commercial flights at airports nationwide, particularly at the larger hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Newark, and others.

In some cases, weather caused delays but Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy has said earlier this month that 53 percent of the flight delays were caused by staffing issues. This figure stands in sharp contrast to the typical 5 percent. However, it is not clear whether the staffing issues are directly related to the government shutdown, as the agency has had long-standing staffing challenges and controllers routinely have had to work significant overtime even before the shutdown.

A spokesperson for the FAA said, “As [Transportation] Secretary [Sean] Duffy has said, there have been increased staffing shortages across the system. When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations.”

Approximately 13,000 controllers and 50,000 TSA agents are working without pay during the ongoing government shutdown, now nearing the end of its third week. Some experts warn delays could worsen as it is common for airport staff to take more sick days when they are working without pay. Controllers will miss their October 28 paychecks unless the standoff is resolved.

The FAA said staffing issues have been seen during evening shifts, and more than 20 percent of American and Southwest flights were delayed on Sunday October 19. In addition to staffing issues and weather, the Formula 1 race held in Austin, Texas, October 17-19, has contributed to delays.

FMI:  www.faa.gov/