Flight Delays Linger as U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Day 10

The Big Picture

As the federal government shutdown reached its 10th day on Friday, October 10, 2025, flyers continued to see scattered delays at major U.S. airports. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave, reporting from Los Angeles International Airport, described the “national picture” as messy heading into the Columbus Day weekend. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, airlines had roughly 52,000 flights scheduled nationwide on Friday, setting the stage for a very busy travel period with limited room for disruption.

Why Staffing Is the Pressure Point

While TSA officers and air traffic controllers are considered essential and must work during a shutdown, they are doing so without immediate pay. That financial strain has coincided with an uptick in sick calls, creating staffing gaps at some facilities. Van Cleave noted that these shortfalls are not uniform across the system, but when they crop up—especially in the afternoon and evening—they trigger staffing thresholds that can slow operations. The result is a patchwork of hold-ups: some barely noticeable, others significant enough to ripple across multiple flights.

A Sharp Shift in Delay Drivers

Under normal conditions, air traffic controller shortages account for about 5% of flight delays. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that share has surged to 53% during the shutdown, a startling swing that underscores how sensitive the system is to staffing levels. Officials stress that they have not seen evidence of an organized “sick-out,” but they acknowledge more sick calls than usual, which is enough to strain already tight schedules and push certain facilities into reduced operations.

Weather Adds Friction

Staffing is not the only headwind. Forecasters flagged potential weather disruptions along the East Coast and in Phoenix, adding another variable for airlines to juggle. When storms or extreme heat converge with thin staffing, even small slowdowns can cascade—slightly longer taxi times, extended spacing between departures, and airborne holding patterns that collectively add up for passengers.

A Real-World Example: Nashville

The vulnerability of the system showed up clearly on Thursday at Nashville International Airport, where an air traffic control staffing shortage inconvenienced about 40,000 travelers. Incidents like this illustrate how a single chokepoint can affect thousands of people quickly, even when most controllers nationwide are still on the job.

What Officials and the Union Are Saying

Secretary Duffy warned that controllers who violate sick leave policies will face consequences. At the same time, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) urged its members to keep reporting for duty, emphasizing that safety comes first and that the union does not support any action that could compromise the national airspace. The message from both sides is clear: maintain safety and keep the system moving as reliably as possible until funding is restored.

How Bad Are Delays Right Now

Despite the stress on the system, Van Cleave said overall delays and cancellations this week remain within historical norms, and most flights are still departing on time. The concern is the trend line. With staffing pressure ongoing and a holiday weekend underway, the share of delays tied to air traffic control is elevated, and conditions could worsen if more facilities hit staffing triggers or if weather takes a sharper turn.

Practical Tips if You Are Flying

Give yourself a cushion by arriving earlier than usual, especially for morning departures that connect into busy hubs later in the day. Keep an eye on your airline’s app for gate changes and rolling delay updates. If you have a tight connection, look at earlier alternate flights or ask about protected rebooking options before you travel. Finally, pack patience—most flights are getting out, but the system has less slack than usual, and small snags can grow during peak periods.

Follow us on MSN for all your travel and lifestyle tips.

This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance