The October 2025 government shutdown intensified a pre-existing shortage of air traffic controllers, forcing essential personnel to work without pay and prompting increased absenteeism. Major airports such as Hollywood Burbank, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Newark and Indianapolis reported staffing reductions that led the FAA to lower acceptance rates to maintain safety. Notably, Burbank’s tower went unmanned for nearly six hours on October 6, generating average delays over 2.5...
