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FAA: Controller absences fueling delays during shutdown

A busy U.S. airport control tower overlooks a line of departing jets as FAA staffing shortages trigger delays during the shutdown.
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3 min read

Key points

  • FAA reports controller absences causing delays
  • Shutdown day 20 strains major U.S. hubs
  • Atlanta warns TSA waits may lengthen
  • FlightAware shows thousands of weekend delays
  • Unions, airlines back swift shutdown end

Air travelers are seeing fresh waves of delays as the government shutdown reaches October 20, 2025. The Federal Aviation Administration says numerous staffing triggers have been hit across key facilities, with air traffic controller absences slowing traffic from Dallas and Chicago to Atlanta and Newark. FlightAware data cited by first-party and major outlets shows thousands of weekend delays, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport warns of longer security lines. The takeaway for travelers is simple, allow extra time, expect uneven operations, and keep rebooking options ready.

FAA staffing and shutdown impact

The FAA reports that controller staffing shortfalls and absences are driving delays at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), with potential knock-ons at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). About 13,000 controllers and roughly 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay during the shutdown, which began on October 1. Reuters reporting, citing FAA communications and FlightAware, also notes a deficit of about 3,500 controllers relative to minimum staffing recommendations, compounding the problem.

Latest developments

On October 19, outlets citing FAA and FlightAware recorded more than 5,800 delayed flights nationwide, with weather and Austin's Formula 1 traffic adding pressure. More than 20 percent of American Airlines and Southwest flights were delayed that day. Separately, Atlanta officials flagged TSA staffing strain, with waits that reached more than 30 minutes Monday morning.

Analysis

For most travelers, the practical pain points are uneven throughput in towers and longer security lines. Plan for earlier departures where possible, since morning banks often suffer fewer compounding delays. Build generous buffers for connections, especially through Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, Newark, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. Monitor airline apps, which will reflect flow programs and ground delay programs as they update. If you hold elite status or a co-branded card, lean on same-day confirmed changes instead of standby to avoid rolling delays. For families, pre-select seats to protect group seating if aircraft swaps occur.

If you are flying today, check our rolling ops page before you leave for the airport: Flight delays and airport impacts: October 20, 2025.

Final thoughts

The FAA's confirmation that controller absences are fueling delays during the shutdown means travelers should pad itineraries, anticipate irregular operations, and use airline tools proactively. Until funding resumes and staffing stabilizes, expect intermittent slowdowns and plan accordingly around the FAA-driven constraints.

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