Flight delays are getting worse during the shutdown. What to know if you’re flying

Flight delays and disruptions at U.S. airports have persisted for a fourth consecutive day due to staffing issues stemming from the government shutdown, which began on October 1.

Air traffic controllers are expected to work without pay during the shutdown. As federal employees begin to feel the financial impact of the shutdown, many are calling out of work. And as the shutdown continues, many airports are struggling with growing staffing issues.

Over 16,000 flights have been delayed since Monday

According to FlightAware, which tracks flight delays, disruptions, and cancellations, as of late Thursday morning, more than 16,000 flights flying into, within, or out of the U.S. have been delayed since Monday, October 6.

• On Monday, October 6,154 flights were delayed and 84 were canceled.
• On Tuesday, October 7, 3,849 flights were delayed and 70 were canceled.
• On Wednesday, October 8, 4,608 flights were delayed and 60 were canceled.

As of 11:50 a.m. ET today, 1,698 flights flying into, within, or out of the U.S. have been delayed, and 55 flights were canceled.

Temporary ground delays have been issued to slow air traffic

The FAA has issued temporary ground delays at several airports this week. Some of the impacted airports include Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Nashville International Airport (BNA), and Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

On Monday, the FAA issued a temporary ground stop at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). Reports indicate that the airport was unstaffed for several hours.

An October 9 FAA operational plan notes the following airports may experience possible ground delays today:

• Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)

What’s causing continued flight delays?

Federal employees working at airports, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents, are considered essential workers. That means they must keep working without pay during the government shutdown.

Airports are experiencing staffing issues as more employees call out sick. Flight disruptions are expected to continue throughout the shutdown.

Here’s what to do if you’re flying soon

The impact of flight delays may be more noticeable this weekend.

There will likely be an increase in air travel as Monday is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and some people may have off work and choose to travel during the long weekend.

If you have a flight scheduled in the coming days, you may face disruptions. Remember to be kind to airport and airline employees. They have no control over flight delays and cancellations.

It’s good practice to check your flight status before heading to the airport; you can check the status of your flight on your airline’s website or mobile app.

Travelers can also check the FAA’s National Airspace System Status website for information regarding widespread delays at specific airports.

FlightAware also publishes its MiseryMap, which uses recent data to compare flight delays and cancellations vs. on-time flights at major airports nationwide.

If your flight is canceled or if a flight delay causes you to miss a connection, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have policies that state they’ll rebook you on the next available flight.

Fast Company reached out to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines for comment on the flight delays. We’ll update this story if we receive replies.

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