FAA Warns of Houston Flight Delays Amid Growing Air Traffic Controller Shortages

The Houston Airport System is bracing for potential flight delays as the federal government shutdown enters its seventh day. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a warning about possible ground stops at both George W. Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports.

The FAA's website has indicated that both airports in Houston could face disruptions due to staffing shortages. However, the FAA has not provided a specific timeline for the potential impact on departures or arrivals. Among the most stringent air traffic protocols, ground stops temporarily suspend flights arriving at or departing from designated airports.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy underscored the FAA's challenges on Monday, highlighting the strain on the already scarce air traffic controllers who continue to work without compensation. “We are monitoring the number of sick calls and sick leave and have observed a minor increase in sick calls. Duffy affirmed with a simple, “Yes.” “This shutdown has significantly increased the stress levels for our controllers in an already demanding job.”

FAA data also revealed that over a dozen air traffic facilities faced staffing shortages, leading to significant flight delays at major airports, including Phoenix, Denver, and various key hubs across the Midwest and East Coast.

In California, the circumstances reached a critical point as the control tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport had to cease operations completely due to the absence of any controllers to manage takeoffs and landings. Surprisingly, the lack of staff on duty compelled flights to rely on non-towered airport procedures, typically reserved for small, rural airfields. This unexpected situation resulted in significant delays, extending beyond two and a half hours.

Authorities report that the current shortages are a direct result of the ongoing shutdown, which has forced essential personnel, such as air traffic controllers, to continue their duties without compensation. This situation has led to an increase in “sickouts,” with certain employees reporting their inability to secure transportation or childcare as the reason for their absence.

“Controllers are facing significant challenges in managing their finances without a paycheck, and some are contemplating the option of seeking additional employment to sustain themselves,” Duffy remarked.

The Federal Aviation Administration has long struggled with staffing shortages, but the current shutdown has escalated the issue to a critical level. As time passes, an increasing number of controllers are reportedly either unable or unwilling to continue in their roles without pay.

As of Tuesday, the Senate remained at a standstill, showing no advancement in efforts to pass a funding measure aimed at reopening the government. FAA officials caution that until a resolution is reached, staffing challenges may worsen and create a cascading effect throughout the nation’s airspace system, leading to flight delays extending well beyond Houston.

Currently, both Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports remain operational. However, with the shutdown showing no signs of resolution, the FAA advises travelers to brace for potential disruptions in the days ahead.