U.S. flight delays to worsen amid increasing air traffic staff shortages

The U.S. government shutdown entered its eighth day on Wednesday, impacting air travel in the country with thousands of flights having been delayed after an uptick in air traffic control and safety staff calling in sick. Federal employees deemed “essential,” including air traffic controllers, are required to work without pay.

This has led to an increase in sick calls among controllers, according to officials, exacerbating an existing staff shortage in the profession. The absences have resulted in significant flight disruptions, causing thousands of delays at airports across the nation, as well as passenger anxieties about flight safety.