The US Government Shutdown and the Aviation Crisis

The shutdown of the American government is deepening the crisis in the country's aviation system, causing an increasing shortage of air traffic controllers and, as a consequence, mass delays and canceled flights. This alarming situation, reported by the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), casts a shadow over the normal functioning of critical infrastructure in the United States.

In a statement issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, it is emphasized that the lack of funding due to the government shutdown leads to a shortage of staff and delays throughout the system. The situation has reached critical levels at some of the major airports. On Monday, for example, at Hollywood Burbank Airport, California, air traffic controllers were absent from work for nearly six hours. Observers note that such an incident could have serious consequences for air traffic safety. Yesterday, the situation worsened even further, with around 3,200 flights across the country being delayed. From the appearance, there was tension in the waiting areas, and passengers seemed nervous about the uncertainty surrounding their journeys.

Staffing problems are affecting key airports in major cities like Newark, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, Burbank, Nashville, and Chicago. This leads to flight delays ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. The events are unfolding against a backdrop of growing political tensions, with a state of emergency previously announced as a possibility.

The Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, expressed concern about the consequences of the government shutdown, which has already been going on for seven days. "As the government is shut down, this further burdens people and some are already calling in sick," Duffy said. He added that in some places, the staff has been halved.

The National Association of Air Traffic Controllers, which represents over 20,000 air traffic controllers, engineers, and aviation safety specialists, has issued a warning to its employees. The association warned its members that not showing up for work could lead to dismissal. However, the situation is complex, as air traffic controllers are classified as essential employees and are expected to continue their work without pay during the government shutdown. Uncertainties regarding their financial stability cause anxiety among employees and seriously affect their morale, as well as their professional commitment.