Hollywood Burbank Airport. [Photo: Shutterstock/Angel DiBilio]
Key Takeaways:
Hollywood Burbank Airport had no on-duty air traffic controllers for several hours on a Monday evening, a shortage directly blamed on the federal government shutdown by California's governor.
The airport remained operational with remote ATC support and pilots coordinating ground movements, though passengers experienced an average delay of two and a half hours.
This incident reflects a broader national concern, with the Transportation Secretary noting an uptick in essential ATCs calling in sick and subsequent delays reported at multiple major airports.
Despite staffing challenges, federal officials maintain air travel remains safe, while the air traffic controllers' union has urged its members to continue working through the unpaid period.
A Los Angeles-area airport had no air traffic controllers (ATCs) on duty Monday evening, a shortage California’s governor linked to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
