US airports report over 20 air traffic controller shortage triggers in one day

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Michael Sainato and agenciesOctober 26, 2025 at 08:42 PM

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US airports reported over 20 air traffic controller shortages on Saturday due to the ongoing government shutdown, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop at Los Angeles International Airport and delays were widespread across the country. Since the shutdown began, there have been more than 5,300 US flight delays on Saturday alone. Around 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay, leading to staffing issues and increased flight disruptions. The FAA is currently short by around 3,500 air traffic controllers from its targeted levels.

Key Topics & Entities

Newark 40% Chicago 40% Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 50% Los Angeles International Airport 50% National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) 60% Sean Duffy ×260% US ×480% Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ×3100%

Keywords

air traffic controller shortages 100% government shutdown 90% flight delays 80% federal aviation administration (faa) 70% transportation security administration (tsa) 60% controller staffing issues 50% unpaid work 50% second jobs 40%

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Negative

Score: -0.40

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The Guardian - World News

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Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

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90%

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United States

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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air traffic controller shortages government shutdown flight delays federal aviation administration (faa)transportation security administration (tsa)controller staffing issues unpaid work second jobs

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