PHOENIX (AZFamily/AP) — Air traffic controllers will miss their first full paychecks this week as the government shutdown continues to strain air travel operations.
The missed paychecks come after a weekend of staffing problems at airports across the country that caused thousands of delays nationwide.
Travelers flying this week may still see on-time flights, but delays remain possible as the shutdown continues.
Weekend delays hit thousands of flights
Most controllers are continuing to work mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown without pay, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association said Monday. That leaves little time for a side job unless controllers call in sick.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said staffing shortages led to major delays at airports over the weekend.
The agency reported staffing-related delays on Monday afternoon averaging about 20 minutes at the Dallas airport and about 40 minutes at both Newark Liberty International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The delays in Austin followed a brief ground stop at the airport, meaning flights were held at their originating airports until the FAA lifted the stop around 4:15 p.m. local time.
The FAA also warned of staffing issues at a facility in Jacksonville, Florida, that could cause some problems.
According to FlightAware, Saturday saw 5,425 flights delayed across the United States. Sunday was worse, with 8,811 delays. On Sunday morning, the FAA issued a ground stop at LAX in California for flights departing to Oakland due to a shortage of controllers.
Monday brought more than 7,000 flight delays, though some were weather-related.
Phoenix staffing levels above average
Nearly 300 flights were delayed in and out of Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix on Monday.
Phoenix is relatively well-staffed with air traffic controllers compared to other major airports. As of earlier this month, Phoenix had about 90 air traffic controllers. Full staffing is 95.
While Phoenix is better off than many big airports, it does not have extras. When someone calls out sick, it forces others to work more.
The added hours and stress on top of no pay led to some air traffic controllers calling out sick during the last shutdown nearly 7 years ago.
Phoenix air traffic also relies on guidance from Albuquerque, which saw staffing issues this month.
If you are flying out this week, be sure to check your flight status often before you head out.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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