The shortage of air traffic controllers threatens safety as delays and cancellations pile up, affecting thousands of travelers.
As the government shutdown stretches on, becoming the longest in U.S. history, major airports across the country, including LAX, are bracing for what could quickly turn into travel chaos just days before Thanksgiving, the busiest travel weekend of the year.
Travelers have been advised to arrive earlier than usual and prepare for delays. With the shutdown ongoing, a more concerning scenario is emerging: air traffic across some regions, and potentially nationwide, could be severely impacted due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, L.A. Magazine explains.
In recent weeks, many controllers have been working without pay, and the strain is evident. On Sunday, both LAX and San Diego International Airport experienced average delays of over an hour. FAA operations reports indicate nearly 100 staffing shortage triggers over the same weekend, marking the highest level since the shutdown began.
The pressure on airports is mounting as holiday travel approaches. With millions expected to fly for Thanksgiving, delays could increase, lines could grow longer, and last-minute cancellations may become more frequent. Travelers are advised to arrive early, check flight statuses regularly, and prepare for extended wait times, according to CBS News.
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