On Monday, the United States faced its most severe air travel disruptions since the onset of the federal government shutdown, with more than 10,000 flight delays reported.
This significant disruption is primarily due to a critical shortage of air traffic controllers, a situation exacerbated by halted salaries and a reduction in the number of staff at major airports, leading to a near standstill in air traffic.
Major airports, including JFK in New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles International, experienced extensive delays, with travelers waiting for hours as airlines canceled thousands of flights to manage operational challenges.
The crisis is particularly concerning with the holiday travel season approaching, raising fears of further disruptions if the government shutdown persists. Airlines and professional unions are urging Congress to take immediate action to resolve the situation.