Staffing Shortage Forces Temporary Ground Stop at LAX

Travelers bound for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Sunday morning faced unexpected delays as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily halted flights headed for the airport due to staffing shortages at a Southern California air traffic control facility.

The ground stop, issued at 11:42 a.m. ET, forced planes en route to LAX to remain at their departure airports, with delays averaging about an hour and 40 minutes, according to AP News. Officials said they expected to lift the restrictions around 1:30 p.m. ET but cautioned that traffic limitations into one of the world’s busiest airports might continue through the afternoon.

Government Shutdown Fallout

The disruption comes as air traffic controllers across the country continue to work without pay amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned over the weekend that the strain on the aviation workforce could cause more widespread delays and cancellations in the days ahead.

During an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Duffy said a growing number of controllers have begun calling in sick as financial pressures mount. “Just yesterday, ... we had 22 staffing triggers. That’s one of the highest that we have seen in the system since the shutdown began. And that’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin,” he said.

Nationwide Ripple Effects

Air traffic controllers’ absences were affecting more destinations than just LAX on Sunday. The FAA reported similar staffing-related disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport and nearby Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, as well as at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore