Severe staffing shortages among air traffic controllers caused more than 20 disruption incidents at U.S. airports on Saturday, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who called it one of the worst days since the government shutdown began. Major hubs like Los Angeles International Airport issued ground stops, while thousands of flights were delayed nationwide. Union leaders warned that unpaid controllers are exhausted and overworked, heightening safety risks as the shutdown continues with no resolution in sight.
See "US airports report over 20 air traffic controller shortage incidents in one day", Michael Sainato, The Guardian, October 27, 2025