PHOENIX (AZFamily/CNN/KABC) — A dozen Federal Aviation Administration facilities saw staff shortages Monday because of the ongoing government shutdown, leading to flight delays.
The effects of the government shutdown were felt by many travelers Monday night as air traffic controller staffing issues led to delays at major airports, including at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, along with Denver and several major Midwest and East Coast hubs.
By 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Sky Harbor Airport reported over 20 flights that were delayed and one that was canceled. The number of delays has been steadily rising through the morning.
In California, it got so bad that the control tower at the Hollywood Burbank Airport had to shut down because no controllers were in place to guide takeoffs and landings. Flights had to follow procedures usually only used at airports without towers, which led to delays of more than 2.5 hours.
Officials say the staff shortages are a direct result of the shutdown. Controllers are considered essential, which means they must work, but they are not being paid. That’s led to large numbers of sickouts.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said earlier Monday that controllers are struggling to make ends meet without pay, and some are considering taking second jobs to get by.
As the shutdown enters its seventh day Tuesday, the Senate has made no progress in passing a funding measure.
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