On October 26, 2025, flights bound for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)—one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs—came to a sudden halt due to a critical shortage of air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a temporary ground stop, holding planes at their departure airports and causing widespread delays. This incident, which lasted from 11:42 a.m. Eastern Time (8:42 a.m. Pacific Time) until 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, underscores the escalating impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its fourth week, on the nation’s air travel system.
The ground stop stemmed from staffing shortages at a Southern California air traffic facility, exacerbated by the shutdown that began on October 1. Air traffic controllers, classified as essential federal workers, are required to continue their duties without pay, leading to increased stress, sick calls, and an exodus of new recruits. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the severity of the situation during an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” “Just yesterday, we had 22 staffing triggers. That’s one of the highest that we have seen in the system since the shutdown began. And that’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin,” Duffy stated. He noted that financial worries—such as covering mortgages, childcare, and even gas—are compounding the already high-pressure nature of the job, prompting more controllers to call in sick.
The disruptions at LAX were not isolated. The FAA reported similar issues at several major airports on the same day, including takeoff and arrival delays at Newark Liberty International Airport and Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, as well as Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida. By Sunday evening, traffic into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport was slowed due to controller shortages. Earlier in the week, nationwide flight delays had surged, with FlightAware tracking over 6,158 delays on October 23—up from about 4,000 per day at the shutdown’s start. Duffy warned that the situation could deteriorate further after the upcoming payday on Tuesday, when controllers receive zero compensation, potentially leading to more absences and cancellations.
At LAX, the ground stop primarily affected flights originating from places like Oakland, with average delays reaching about an hour and 40 minutes. Although the hold was lifted relatively quickly, passengers were advised to check flight statuses closely, as ripple effects lingered. Interestingly, while LAX recovered without major ongoing issues, other airports like Dallas Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field experienced far greater delays that day, attributed by the FAA to weather and equipment problems rather than staffing.
The human toll on air traffic controllers is profound. Nick Daniels, head of the controllers’ union, emphasized the safety risks: “As this shutdown continues, and air traffic controllers are not paid for the vital work that they do day in and day out, that leads to an unnecessary distraction. They cannot be 100% focused on their jobs, which makes this system less safe. Every day that this shutdown continues, tomorrow, we’ll be less safe than today.” Many controllers, including those earning six figures, live paycheck to paycheck, forcing some to take side gigs like delivering food via DoorDash or driving for Uber. Newer hires, often making less than $50,000 annually, face even steeper challenges. Airlines and airports have offered support, such as meals and connections to food banks, but Daniels called the situation “unfair,” noting the impossible choices between rent, groceries, and childcare.
Compounding the crisis is a growing shortage of future talent. At the FAA’s training academy in Oklahoma City, prospective controllers are dropping out, deterred by the instability. “We’re getting word back right now from our academy in Oklahoma City that some of our young controllers in the academy and some who have been given spots in the next class of the academy are bailing,” Duffy said during a news conference at Philadelphia International Airport on October 23. Training a qualified controller takes years, and with the FAA already understaffed—just a few absences can trigger widespread issues—the long-term implications are dire.
This is not the first time a government shutdown has strained the aviation system. In January 2019, a similar impasse led to mass sickouts in New York, halting flights into LaGuardia Airport and ultimately pressuring lawmakers to end the shutdown. Today, however, the political deadlock between Republicans and Democrats in Congress shows no signs of breaking, leaving essential workers and travelers in limbo. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office criticized Duffy on social media, posting, “Hell of a job, @SecDuffy. Can’t wait to see what you do with NASA,” reflecting broader frustration among state officials over the federal impasse.
As the shutdown stretches into its fifth week, the traveling public continues to suffer the consequences. Delays at affected airports have ranged from 49 minutes to over 90 minutes, with some passengers facing even longer waits. The FAA and industry experts caution that without swift congressional action to resolve the budget dispute and restore pay, these disruptions could become routine, threatening both efficiency and safety in the skies. For now, air traffic controllers remain on duty, safeguarding millions of flights despite the mounting personal and professional strain. Travelers are urged to stay informed and prepare for potential changes in their plans.