U. S. Airports Face Chaos Due to Government Shutdown

The U. S. is experiencing major flight troubles because of the government shutdown. Air traffic controllers are not getting paid, and this is causing a lot of delays and cancellations. The situation is so bad that a special "Misery Map" is tracking all the problems at major airports. Since October 30, there have been over 9, 000 flight delays and 650 cancellations. Some of the worst-hit airports include Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Denver. These airports had the most delays on a recent Saturday, with Dallas-Fort Worth topping the list with 153 delays. The government shutdown started on October 1, and since then, airports have been struggling because of a shortage of air traffic controllers. These controllers are working without pay, which is causing a lot of stress and disruptions. Pilots and flight attendants have been helping out by providing food and other necessities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued warnings about the staffing shortages. They say that nearly 13, 000 air traffic controllers are working without pay, ensuring the safety of over 50, 000 daily flights. The FAA is urging the government to end the shutdown so that controllers can get paid and travelers can avoid more delays. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has also spoken out about the situation. They have urged lawmakers to pass a short-term spending bill to end the shutdown. NATCA's president, Nick Daniels, has been vocal about the need for a solution that benefits both the public and the air traffic controllers. Despite the efforts, the situation remains critical. The government shutdown is not only affecting the controllers but also the travelers. It's a reminder of how important it is to have a functioning government that can address such issues promptly.