Airports in the US face significant delays and cancellations as air traffic controllers are absent due to stress from the ongoing government shutdown. This situation is critical as it affects thousands of flights and traveler safety.

The US air travel system is currently facing severe disruptions due to a significant increase in absences among air traffic controllers, attributed to the ongoing government shutdown that began on October 1. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that over the weekend, more than 16,700 flights were delayed and 2,282 were canceled. Major airports, including Chicago O'Hare and Dallas Fort Worth, are experiencing high levels of cancellations and delays, with staffing shortages reaching critical levels. Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers, classified as essential workers, are working without pay, leading to an 80% absenteeism rate at some airports. The FAA has stated that to ensure safety, it must reduce air traffic flow, which will likely result in continued delays and cancellations. The situation is compounded by the fact that the shutdown is nearing its 35th day, potentially becoming the longest in US history, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal employees.