Delays expected at airports for third day as government shutdown drags on

Flight delays are expected across the country for a third straight day on Wednesday as the Federal Aviation Administration braced for more airport staffing shortages amid the ongoing government shutdown

Flight delays are expected across the country for a third straight day on Wednesday as the Federal Aviation Administration braced for more airport staffing shortages amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Within the last 48 hours, delays due to air traffic controller staffing shortages were reported at airports in Boston; Burbank, California; Chicago; Denver; Houston; Las Vegas; Nashville, Tennessee; Newark, New Jersey; Philadelphia; and Phoenix, according to the FAA.

This week’s staffing shortages began on Monday, when air traffic controllers started working without pay due to the shutdown.

The federal agency said Wednesday morning that it expects staffing triggers at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the three major airports in the New York City metropolitan area. The trigger would reduce the number of flights in and out of the airport to accommodate traffic safely with lower-than-ideal staffing levels.

Travelers make their way to the gates during a temporary ground stop at the Nashville International Airport on Tuesday.Seth Herald / Getty ImagesTransportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday at Newark Airport that there had been a slight uptick in air traffic controllers calling out sick since the government shutdown began last week.