URGENT UPDATE: Flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) were briefly halted today due to a severe staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic control facility, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This disruption comes amid an ongoing federal government shutdown, which has left air traffic controllers working without pay.
The FAA implemented a temporary ground stop at LAX starting at 11:42 a.m. Eastern time, lifting the halt just under three hours later at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant as Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy warned that delays and cancellations could escalate in the coming days due to the ongoing staffing crisis.
Duffy stated on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” that controllers are increasingly calling in sick, a situation exacerbated by financial stress. He revealed, “Just yesterday, we had 22 staffing triggers. That’s one of the highest that we have seen in the system since the shutdown began. And that’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin.”
While the ground stop at LAX did not cause major disruptions, other airports felt the impact. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport experienced significant delays attributed to weather and equipment issues. Moreover, Newark Liberty International Airport and Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, along with Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, faced takeoff and arrival disruptions due to a lack of air traffic controllers.
The FAA also reported traffic slowdowns into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Sunday evening, directly linked to controller staffing shortages.
Travelers across the nation are advised to check flight statuses frequently and prepare for potential changes as the situation continues to evolve. With the shutdown in place, the FAA is warning of more turbulence ahead for air travel as controller fatigue mounts.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
