America’s skies are buckling under the federal shutdown that began October 1, with more than 6,000 daily flight delays—nearly twice the October norm—while TSA warns of longer lines and halts MyTSA checkpoint updates. Excepted air traffic controllers and TSA officers must work without timely pay; many are using sick leave, triggering slight upticks that loom large. On October 6, 11 major facilities reported unsafe staffing; Hollywood Burbank lacked controllers for nearly six hours. By October 10, 7,700 flights were delayed. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened firings amid mounting strain.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.