Shutdown Sick Calls Strain U.S. Air Travel | JQJO

As the U.S. government shutdown hit day ten Friday, an uptick in sick calls among essential aviation staff deepened staffing strains just as 52,000 flights are slated for the Columbus Day weekend. CBS News correspondent Kris Van Cleave called the national picture "a little messy," with sporadic delays and cancellations. The share of delays tied to controller staffing surged to 53% from a typical 5%, and about 40,000 travelers were inconvenienced in Nashville. The controllers' union urged attendance, and officials warned of repercussions, though most flights still depart on time for now.