Shutdown sick calls snarl air travel | JQJO

Air travel is straining under the federal shutdown as sick calls by air traffic controllers fuel mounting delays, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in Philadelphia. Staffing shortfalls now account for an average 5% of delays and have spiked to 53%; seven facilities were short-staffed Friday, with many more reporting gaps this week. Since the shutdown began, 217 shortages have been logged—over four times last year’s tally. Controllers are working without pay, facing a $0 paycheck on October 28 after a partial one on October 14. Union leaders warn safety is eroding, and the FAA is slowing or canceling flights.