Read, Watch or Listen

A federal shutdown is already pinching U.S. air travel. On Oct. 6, Hollywood Burbank Airport’s control tower closed for nearly six hours due to staffing, leaving pilots to coordinate and delays averaging 2.5 hours. The FAA reports controller shortages and spreading delays nationwide, while unscheduled TSA absences rise. Experts cite chronic understaffing, unreliable equipment, and warn the shutdown is stalling hiring gains and a $12.5 billion tech overhaul. Memories of the 35‑day 2019 shutdown and other safety warnings loom, as unions caution the system’s cracks could quickly deepen.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.