US airports collapse due to government shutdown and non-payment of wages

On Saturday, some 1 500 flights were cancelled in the US and another 6 000 were delayed due to a severe shortage of air traffic controllers. The problem is related to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has lasted a record 39 days.

The shutdown, the longest ever, is significantly affecting operations at 42 airports and air traffic control centres, including major cities such as Atlanta, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco and New York.

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines to reduce the number of daily flights by four per cent since Friday, rising to six per cent from Tuesday and up to ten per cent by November 14. The authority has also introduced ground delay programmes at nine airports.

Representatives of the four largest airlines have expressed concern about continuing staff shortages that complicate flight scheduling. Controller absenteeism is increasing, with some failing to show up for work due to unpaid wages.

Transport Minister Sean Duffy has warned that he may order further flight cuts if the situation does not improve. Meanwhile, negotiations to end the government shutdown continue in the Senate, but so far without a concrete agreement.

(reuters, max)