The Hollywood Burbank Airport is experiencing significant flight delays on Monday afternoon as a result of an unmanned air traffic control tower, which is currently due to staffing shortages linked to the ongoing government shutdown. According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the air traffic control tower has been without staff since 4:15 p.m. and is expected to remain unmanned until 10 p.m.
Kristen Alsop, a spokesperson for the FAA, indicated that the lack of staffing is largely attributed to the government shutdown, which has left many air traffic controllers working without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that there has been a slight increase in the number of air traffic control workers calling in sick during this time of uncertainty.
As of 5 p.m. on Monday, the average delay for outgoing flights at Hollywood Burbank Airport was reported to be two hours and 31 minutes. This delay is exacerbated by ongoing runway construction efforts at the airport. The longest delay recorded at that time reached nearly four hours, specifically three hours and 55 minutes. Alsop emphasized that these significant delays were primarily due to staffing shortages.
Although the air traffic control tower is currently unmanned, air traffic in the airport’s airspace is still monitored by the Southern California TRACON, which is operated by the FAA. This organization utilizes advanced radar technology to maintain the safe flow of aircraft in the airspace surrounding numerous airports throughout Southern California.
In light of the ongoing crisis, California Governor Gavin Newsom did not hesitate to place blame on former President Trump for the staffing issues affecting the airport. In a pointed statement on X, he said, “Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. today because of YOUR government shutdown.”
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), representing air traffic controllers, has characterized the situation at Hollywood Burbank Airport as a troubling example of the vulnerabilities within the aviation system, particularly during a time of national staffing shortages. The union has consistently warned that the ongoing controller staffing shortages pose a significant risk to aviation safety, urging the need for expedited training and hiring initiatives.
Currently, nearly 11,000 air traffic controllers continue to work without pay during the shutdown, with many of them enduring 10-hour shifts up to six days a week. NATCA is actively collaborating with the FAA to minimize disruptions for travelers and is committed to advocating for increased hiring rates of air traffic controllers.
The FAA has reported that similar staffing shortages and delays are impacting multiple airports across the United States on Monday, including Newark Liberty International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. This marks the sixth day of the government shutdown, during which hundreds of thousands of federal workers have either been furloughed or are working without pay. Many governmental operations have been either suspended or significantly reduced, further complicating the situation for air travel.
As the government shutdown continues, the aviation community remains vigilant, aware that the implications of these staffing shortages can profoundly affect air travel safety and efficiency across the nation.
