"A total of 22 airports reportedly saw staffing "triggers" occur the day before, on Saturday, which can lead to ground stops. As KABC reports, Newark International Airport, a major hub for United Airlines in New Jersey, there were also disruptions to takeoffs and landings on Sunday, and also at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida. Staffing shortages and technical troubles in air-traffic control towers were already making headlines earlier this year before the federal government shutdown began impacting the controllers' paychecks."
"Around 13,000 air traffic controllers will be missing another paycheck this week, and while they are required to show up for work during a government shutdown, they can only hope they will receive retroactive pay once Congress gets back in session and approves it. The rise in controllers calling in sick may be due to their own stress and frustration at not being paid, and it may also be practical they have to go work a second job to put food on the table."
Air travel is being disrupted as air traffic controllers miss paychecks during a federal government shutdown, creating staffing shortages and operational strain. The FAA ordered a ground stop at Los Angeles International Airport that delayed flights across Southern California and prevented departures to LAX from SFO and Oakland. Twenty-two airports triggered staffing warnings that can lead to ground stops, and Newark and Southwest Florida airports experienced takeoff and landing disruptions. Technical problems, retirements, and long-term understaffing had already stressed towers earlier this year. About 13,000 controllers face missed paychecks, are required to work without pay, and many are calling in sick or taking second jobs.
Read at sfist.com
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