US shutdown: Burbank Airport unmanned for hours; ground delays expected at major US airports

Representative photo (AP)

The Federal Aviation Administration warned that Hollywood Burbank Airport in California will be without air traffic controllers for several hours on Monday evening, as the government shutdown leaves many airport staff working without pay.The staffing shortage was scheduled to begin at 4.15 pm and continue until approximately 10.00 pm (local time).Air traffic controllers confirmed that their responsibilities will be temporarily transferred to Southern California TRACON, an approach and departure team based in San Diego, which will communicate with pilots landing and taking off from the airport, as reported by ABC News.Officials expect minimal disruption for travelers, though the full impact remains uncertain.An FAA advisory notes that several staffing triggers have been activated, resulting in ground delays at airports in Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Phoenix.Air travel delays were widely anticipated as the government shutdown extended into its sixth day on Monday following a failed Senate vote. During the shutdown, numerous airport employees, including air traffic controllers, are required to work without pay. Control towers and airport security checkpoints continue to operate, with roughly 13,200 air traffic controllers and over 61,000 TSA employees expected to remain on duty.California Governor Gavin Newsom attributed the staffing shortage at Burbank Airport to US President Donald Trump.“Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4.15 pm to 10.00 pm today because of YOUR government shutdown,” Newsom said through a post on X. During the 35-day government shutdown in 2019, absences among air traffic controllers and TSA officers increased as employees missed paychecks, leading to longer checkpoint wait times at some airports. Air traffic in New York was slowed as a result, putting additional pressure on lawmakers to resolve the standoff quickly.The current shutdown comes amid existing staffing shortages at both the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration, including a deficit of roughly 3,000 air traffic controllers. If the system cannot manage the scheduled flights, the FAA may slow landings and takeoffs, leading to increased delays and cancellations for passengers, as cited by ABC News.Meanwhile, as the US government shutdown entered its sixth day on Monday, the Senate once again rejected funding proposals from both parties. The Democratic plan failed 45–55, and the Republican measure was defeated 52–42, with both falling short of the 60 votes needed for approval.