Throughout the past week, clouds and rain have filled the skies. What was absent were the airplanes coming to and from various airports. The government shutdown resulted in many government functions, either ceasing or facing significant limitations. This included the nation’s airports, after many faced worker shortages.
Federal workers, including air traffic controllers, missed two paychecks during the 43-day government shutdown. No pay, compounded with long hours and strictly regulated work environments, caused 20–40% of all air traffic controllers to not show up for work during the shutdown.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy took to X to discuss the issue.
“Before the shutdown, an average of 4 controllers retired a day,” Duffy said. “That number has now jumped to 15 to 20 a day.”
Duffy reported that the Federal Aviation Administration’s reduced workforce was straining the aviation system. The weekend of Nov. 1 saw 2,740 delays at various airports. The first half of November also saw nearly as many fatal aviation crashes during the entire month in comparison to last year, although it is uncertain whether the shutdown caused this.
To contend with unprecedented staffing shortages and safety issues, the FAA issued an order for the 40 busiest airports to cancel flights while the shutdown persisted. The order forced airports like Dallas-Fort Worth and George Bush Houston Continental to progressively reduce more flights, reaching 10% between Nov. 7-14. Eventually, a second order capped cancellations at 6% once safety conditions improved, refunding passengers for the cancelled flights.
During these eight days, 11,316 flights were cancelled nationwide.
Since the government reopened, the FAA rescinded its order and returned to usual operations. President Donald Trump’s administration has promised to provide $10,000 to air traffic controllers who worked through the shutdown $10,000, although thousands have reportedly been left out.
Throughout the shutdown, the San Antonio International Airport remained relatively unaffected. The airport was not forced to reduce its flight load; business continued as normal and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future.
