### U.S. Government Shutdown Causes Widespread Disruption in Air Travel The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its 35th day, has led to significant disruptions in air travel across the country. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has warned that the aviation system is nearing "mass chaos" due to a severe shortage of air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff, many of whom are working without pay. This situation has resulted in extensive flight delays, cancellations, and long security lines at major airports, affecting millions of travelers nationwide [https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/us-to-shut-down-airspaces-amid-controller-shortage-0-paystubs-as-shutdown-drags-on/4032258]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Staffing Shortages**: - Air traffic controllers and TSA workers are facing unprecedented staffing shortages due to the shutdown, with many skipping work due to unpaid wages [https://www.apr.org/2025-11-05/air-traffic-controllers-warn-of-tipping-point-as-u-s-government-shutdown-drags-on]. - Reports indicate that nearly 50% of the 30 busiest U.S. airports are experiencing significant staffing issues [https://thedailyguardian.com/business/air-traffic-control-absences-surge-hitting-almost-half-of-major-us-airports-677661]. 2. **Flight Disruptions**: - Over 32 million passengers have been affected by delays and cancellations since the shutdown began, with reports of waiting times extending up to four hours at some airports [https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/mayhem-at-us-airports-waiting-time-extends-to-4-hrs-over-5000-flights-delayed-amid-govt-shutdown/4031471]. - Major airports like Houston, Newark, and Los Angeles have reported significant delays, with some flights being grounded or delayed for hours [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/flyers-stranded-houston-airport-tsa-sick-leave-us-government-shutdown-video-10346726, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15258799/Flight-delays-houston-pheonix-US-airports-staffing-shortages-shutdown.html]. 3. **Government Response**: - The U.S. government has ordered a 10% cut in flights at major airports to manage the crisis, as the situation continues to escalate [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/11/06/us-orders-10-flight-cut-at-major-airports-due-to-shutdown]. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indicated that the absenteeism rate among air traffic controllers has reached alarming levels, with some areas reporting up to 80% absenteeism [https://www.tbsnews.net/videos/tbs-world/us-airline-system-paralyzed-staffing-crisis-due-shutdown-1277026]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Flight Delays and Cancellations**: - **Total Affected Passengers**: Over **32 million** passengers impacted by delays and cancellations [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3683518-air-travel-chaos-us-faces-unprecedented-delays-amid-government-shutdown]. - **Flight Delays**: More than **5,000 flights** delayed due to staffing shortages [https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/mayhem-at-us-airports-waiting-time-extends-to-4-hrs-over-5000-flights-delayed-amid-govt-shutdown/4031471]. - **Absenteeism Rates**: Up to **80%** absenteeism reported in some regions [https://www.tbsnews.net/videos/tbs-world/us-airline-system-paralyzed-staffing-crisis-due-shutdown-1277026]. ### Conclusion: The Impact of the Shutdown on Air Travel The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has created a **critical crisis** in air travel, characterized by severe staffing shortages and widespread flight disruptions. 1. **Staffing Issues**: The absence of air traffic controllers and TSA staff has led to significant operational challenges at airports nationwide. 2. **Travel Chaos**: Millions of travelers are facing delays and cancellations, with reports of waiting times extending to several hours. 3. **Government Measures**: In response to the crisis, the government has implemented flight cuts and is grappling with the implications of prolonged staffing shortages. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further disruptions looms as the shutdown continues [https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/us-to-shut-down-airspaces-amid-controller-shortage-0-paystubs-as-shutdown-drags-on/4032258].