US flight delays to worsen as controllers fail to get paid

Air traffic controllers seeking other sources of income as govt shutdown drags on

- 

More than 8,000 flights were delayed across the US on Oct 26 as air traffic controller absences continued to disrupt travel and a federal government shutdown reached its 26th day.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) experienced air traffic control staffing issues at 22 locations on Oct 25, and additional shortages were expected to lead to more flight delays and cancellations in the days ahead.

According to FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, there were more than 8,000 US flight delays by 1pm ET on Oct 26, an increase from about 5,300 on Oct 25. Delays have often been above average since the government shutdown began on Oct 1.

Southwest Airlines had 45 per cent, or 2,000 flights, delayed on Oct 26. American Airlines had nearly 1,200, or a third of its flights, delayed. United Airlines had 24 per cent, or 739 flights, delayed. Delta Air Lines had 610 flights, or 17 per cent, delayed.