LAX staffing shortage leads to brief ground stop

Flights resume in less than two hours, but the shutdown is affecting controllers.

- By Stacy PERMAN

JULIANA YAMADA Los Angeles Times

FLIGHTS were delayed Sunday around 49 minutes, some for longer, at Los Angeles International Airport.

Nearly four weeks into the federal government shutdown, a staffing shortage at Los Angeles International Airport prompted a temporary ground stop Sunday morning affecting flights at the West Coast’s largest and busiest airport.

The restriction began around 8:45 a.m., affecting departing flights for Oakland, and was lifted at 10:30 am., according to an FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center advisory.

The stoppage affected most of Southern California, leaving passengers experiencing flight delays of around 49 minutes, with some waiting up to 87 minutes, according to KTLA-TV.

Even after the resumption of flights, travelers were instructed to check the status of their flights.