Flights to LAX Temporarily Halted Amid Air Traffic Controller Shortage

URGENT UPDATE: Flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) were temporarily halted today due to a severe staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic control facility, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The ground stop began at 11:42 a.m. Eastern Time and was lifted just under two hours later, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

This significant disruption comes as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that travelers can expect more delays and cancellations in the days ahead as air traffic controllers continue to work without pay during the ongoing federal government shutdown. During an interview on “Sunday Morning Futures,” Duffy revealed alarming statistics, stating, “Just yesterday, we had 22 staffing triggers. That’s one of the highest that we have seen in the system since the shutdown began.”

The FAA confirmed that planes bound for LAX were held at their originating airports, but the impact was not limited to Los Angeles. Significant delays were also reported at major airports including Newark Liberty International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as well as Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The agency cited the shortage of controllers per shift as a key factor for the disruptions.

Flight tracking service FlightAware indicated that while LAX managed to recover quickly, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport experienced a higher volume of late arrivals, attributed to weather and equipment issues.

The emotional strain on air traffic controllers is intensifying, as many are reportedly calling in sick due to financial pressures stemming from the shutdown. Duffy emphasized the increasing toll this is taking on the workforce, saying, “That’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin.”

As the situation develops, travelers should remain vigilant for updates regarding their flights. The FAA has also slowed traffic into other major airports including those in Washington D.C. and Chicago, indicating that the staffing crisis is having widespread implications.

With the holiday travel season approaching, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for real-time updates and to prepare for potential changes to their travel plans.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we monitor the effects of the federal government shutdown on air travel across the nation.