Travelers at Hollywood Burbank Airport faced significant delays Monday as an air traffic controller staffing shortage tied to the federal government shutdown shifted operations to San Diego’s TRACON team.
Beginning at 4:15 p.m., the airport had no air traffic controllers in its tower, with the Federal Aviation Administration saying it was expected to remain unstaffed until about 10 p.m.
According to the FAA’s website, several measures were put in place, including ground delays at airports in other cities. The agency said departures to Burbank Airport were delayed an average of 151 minutes.
With no controllers, duties were handed off to TRACON, a departure team based in San Diego, which coordinated with pilots arriving and departing from Burbank Airport.
“As Secretary (Sean) Duffy said, there have been increased staffing shortages across the system. When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations,” according to the FAA.
Gov. Gavin Newsom blamed the situation on the shutdown, posting on X, “Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. today because of YOUR government shutdown.”
Transportation Secretary Duffy said the shutdown is putting more stress on controllers who already have an extremely stressful job. Controllers are expected to continue working without a paycheck, creating additional anxiety about paying bills while keeping flights safe.
“Now what they think about as they’re controlling our airspace is, how am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment? I have a couple kids at home. How do I put food on the table? I’m working six days a week. Do I have to take a second job and drive Uber when I’m already exhausted from doing a job that’s already stressful to think about how I can make extra money because the government may not provide me a paycheck?” Duffy said.
The head of the air traffic controllers union, Nick Daniels, urged Congress to end the shutdown.
“We need to bring this shutdown to a close, so that the Federal Aviation Administration and the committed aviation safety professionals can put this distraction behind us, and completely focus on their vital work,” Daniels said.
The government shutdown entered its sixth day Monday as Democrats and Republicans remained at odds over a funding plan.
Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this article.
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