Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Orlando International Joins Los Angeles, Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, Dallas Forth, Miami Airports in Suffering from Massive Air Traffic Controller Shortage as US Federal Government Shutdown Intensifies, How Long Can FAA Keep the Skies Open
Published on
November 1, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Orlando International Airport in Florida has now joined Los Angeles Airport, Chicago O’HareAirport, Newark Liberty International Airport,, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Miami airports in suffering from the massive air traffic controller shortage. This US federal government shutdown has intensified the crisis, leaving the FAA scrambling to manage air traffic across the country. With controller shortages impacting airports nationwide, delays, cancellations, and operational disruptions have become the norm.
US airlines like Delta, Southwest, American, jet Blue are struggling to cope, and travelers are feeling the strain as their flights are repeatedly delayed or canceled. The question on everyone’s mind is: How long can the FAA keep the skies open? As the crisis deepens, it’s clear that this shortage is not going away soon. With the shutdown paralyzing FAA recruitment efforts, the future of America’s air traffic management hangs in the balance. Travel And Tour World urges readers to keep reading to fully understand the growing aviation nightmare.
The US is experiencing significant disruption at major airports as a nationwide air traffic controller shortage intensifies. The ongoing federal government shutdown has led to severe delays and ground stops, especially at some of the busiest airports in the country. One of the hardest-hit locations is Orlando International Airport (MCO), where the FAA was forced to cancel all arrivals Thursday night due to the lack of certified air traffic controllers. This disruption has affected flight schedules across the US, leaving passengers stranded at various airports, with ripple delays expected throughout the weekend. Travelers must stay updated on their flight status, as staffing shortages and unpredictable weather conditions continue to create chaos in the skies. The shortage has stretched controllers thin, leaving many fatigued and stressed as they work without pay.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
The US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage hit Orlando International Airport (MCO) hard in October 2025, when the FAA was forced to ground flights temporarily due to a severe lack of air traffic controllers. MCO, known for its high volume of holiday and family travel, experienced massive disruptions. Thousands of passengers were left stranded as landing slots were suspended. Ground delays averaged over two hours, and more than 1,000 flights were canceled nationwide. As one of the busiest airports in Florida, the FAA’s inability to manage air traffic flow during peak hours intensified the chaos. The shortage of controllers has made it impossible to keep up with the demand at Orlando, leaving travelers frustrated and airlines scrambling to adjust their schedules.
Flight IdentDestinationDepartureJBUG21Sangster Intl (MBJ / MKJS)Sun 12:35PM ESTJBUG21Sangster Intl (MBJ / MKJS)Sat 01:25PM EDTSWA292Sangster Intl (MBJ / MKJS)Sat 12:55PM EDTSWA272Sangster Intl (MBJ / MKJS)Sat 10:35AM EDTDAL2436Boston Logan Intl (KBOS)Sat 07:00AM EDTDAL1622John F Kennedy Intl (KJFK)Fri 03:30PM EDTSWA292Sangster Intl (MBJ / MKJS)Fri 12:40PM EDTJBUG21Sangster Intl (MBJ / MKJS)Fri 12:33PM EDTAAL2966Chicago O’Hare Intl (KORD)Fri 11:34AM EDTJAL2207Chicago O’Hare Intl (KORD)Fri 10:30AM EDTSWA272Sangster Intl (MBJ / MKJS)Fri 10:30AM EDTJAL1630Houston Bush Intl (KIAH)Fri 09:00AM EDTJAL1424Denver Intl (KDEN)Fri 08:00AM EDTDAL1523LaGuardia (KLGA)Fri 07:05AM EDTNKS806Houston Bush Intl (KIAH)Fri 06:56AM EDTNKS2205Fort Lauderdale Intl (KFLL)Fri 06:06AM EDTNKS2537Charlotte/Douglas Intl (KCLT)Fri 06:05AM EDTEFT1954Rafael Hernandez (BON / TJBO)Thu 11:29PM EDTEFT1808Luis Munoz Marin Intl (SJU / TJSJ)Thu 11:00PM EDTSWA676Philadelphia Intl (KPHL)Thu 10:52PM EDTSWA2467Indianapolis Intl (KIND)Thu 09:55PM EDTSWA7442Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl (KCVG)Thu 09:53PM EDTEFT2424Trenton Mercer (KTTN)Thu 09:27PM EDTSWA1035Toronto Pearson Intl (CYYZ)Thu 09:15PM EDTSWA971Sarasota/Bradenton Intl (KSRO)Thu 08:50PM EDTSWA791Toronto Pearson Intl (CYYZ)Thu 08:50PM EDTSWA193Fort Lauderdale Intl (KFLL)Thu 08:50PM EDTSWA1035Reagan National (DCA)Thu 08:35PM EDTSWA193San Antonio Intl (KSAT)Thu 08:20PM EDTStaffing Shortages Lead to Ground Delays at Major Airports
The US is witnessing widespread air travel disruptions, particularly at key airports, due to the shortage of certified air traffic controllers. The federal government shutdown has exacerbated this issue, leaving many controllers working without pay. The FAA issued advisories for multiple airports, including Orlando International Airport (MCO), which was forced to ground all arrivals Thursday evening. According to officials, there were simply not enough certified controllers available to manage the air traffic flow safely. This shortage is not isolated to Florida, as major airports across the country, including those in New York City, are also feeling the effects. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) were placed under FAA traffic restrictions, resulting in extensive delays. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates, as delays were expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Increasing Strain on Air Traffic Controllers Amid Shutdown
The nationwide air traffic controller shortage has been further exacerbated by the federal government shutdown, which has significantly impacted the FAA’s ability to maintain adequate staffing levels. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has voiced concerns over the increasing strain on air traffic controllers, with only 10,800 certified controllers available, well below the necessary 14,633 controllers required for a fully functioning system. The current shortage is worse than it was during the 2019 shutdown, with an additional 400 controllers missing from the workforce. The stress and fatigue among controllers have increased as they are forced to continue working without pay. This has led to concerns over the safety of the air traffic system, as overworked and underpaid controllers struggle to manage the increasing number of flights each day.
FAA Responds with Ground Delay Programs
In response to the air traffic controller shortage, the FAA has implemented a ground delay program at several airports across the US. These delays are designed to control the flow of air traffic by limiting the number of arrivals allowed at each airport per hour. For instance, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has been capped at 36 planes per hour, with delays averaging over an hour, and some flights being delayed for up to 100 minutes. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) have also been impacted, with arrivals limited to 30 and 24-28 per hour, respectively. Despite the FAA’s efforts to mitigate delays, these restrictions have led to extended waiting times for travelers, with some experiencing delays of more than five hours.
Impact of the Government Shutdown on Air Traffic System
The federal government shutdown has had a devastating effect on the US air traffic system, with controllers forced to work without pay. This has led to increased pressure on already overworked staff, which is directly affecting the efficiency and safety of the air travel system. With fewer controllers available, airports are experiencing longer delays and even ground stops, creating a ripple effect across the entire air travel network. The shutdown has highlighted the fragility of the air traffic control system and the consequences of inadequate staffing levels. Industry experts are warning that if the shutdown continues, these disruptions could worsen, potentially leading to more widespread delays and cancellations.
Passenger Experience: Navigating the Chaos
Travelers across the US are feeling the brunt of the air traffic controller shortage, as the FAA struggles to maintain control over the air traffic flow. Orlando International Airport (MCO), one of Florida’s busiest airports and a major hub for visitors to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, faced severe disruptions, with all arrivals being cancelled due to the shortage of controllers. New York City airports including JFK, EWR, and LGA also saw delays and restrictions, as a result of both staffing shortages and challenging weather conditions. The ground delay programs introduced by the FAA are helping to manage the flow of flights, but passengers are being asked to brace for more delays, with wait times reaching up to five hours in some cases. Experts advise passengers to check with airlines for updates on flight statuses, as the situation remains fluid and subject to change.
FAA Air Traffic Controllers Overworked and Underpaid
The current air traffic controller shortage has put immense strain on the FAA’s ability to keep the skies safe. With only 10,800 controllers working in a system that requires 14,633, the shortage has been further worsened by the federal government shutdown. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has expressed concern over the mental and physical toll this is taking on controllers, who are being forced to work without pay. The union has also raised concerns about the safety implications of the shortage, noting that controllers are increasingly fatigued and distracted, putting the entire air traffic system at risk. The situation is expected to worsen if the shutdown continues, with the FAA struggling to meet the staffing demands necessary to keep up with the increasing volume of air traffic.
Long-Term Effects of the Shutdown on the Air Traffic System
The ongoing government shutdown is expected to have long-term effects on the US air traffic system. The FAA’s ability to recruit and retain qualified air traffic controllers has been severely impacted, and this is likely to result in a prolonged staffing shortage. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has warned that if the situation is not addressed soon, the US could face even more significant disruptions to air travel in the future. With controllers being forced to work without pay, their morale is at an all-time low, and many are considering leaving the profession altogether. This could result in even fewer controllers available to manage air traffic, leading to a vicious cycle of delays and safety concerns.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage is causing serious operational nightmares. With air traffic congestion reaching new highs, LAX has faced substantial delays. On October 26, 2025, the Southern California air traffic control facility was overwhelmed, leading to a ground stop that affected flights heading to and from the airport. Passengers faced extended delays, with some flights delayed for hours before being cleared for departure. The federal shutdown has exacerbated the situation, as the FAA has been unable to hire new controllers or train existing staff to handle the rising volume of flights. LAX, a major international gateway, is feeling the effects of this shortage especially hard during high-demand periods.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
As one of the busiest airports in the world, Chicago O’Hare (ORD) has also struggled to cope with the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage. With a backlog of flights, the FAA has been forced to issue ground delay programs to manage the airspace around ORD. However, this has resulted in hour-long delays and even cancellations. Airlines operating out of O’Hare, such as United Airlines and American Airlines, have faced significant disruptions in their flight schedules. The shortage of controllers has made it difficult for air traffic management to keep up with the sheer volume of air traffic, especially during the evening and morning rush hours. O’Hare’s role as a hub for connecting flights means that disruptions here have a ripple effect across the US air traffic system.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the primary airport serving the New York City area, is feeling the full brunt of the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage. The situation became critical on October 29, 2025, when a ground stop was issued due to the staffing crisis. EWR, which handles numerous international flights daily, faced significant delays as air traffic controllers struggled to manage arrivals and departures. The federal shutdown has only worsened the situation, as the FAA has been unable to recruit and train new controllers quickly enough to meet the rising demand. The shutdown has compounded the stress on EWR, and New Jersey’s air travel system is struggling to keep pace with the needs of both domestic and international passengers.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), another major hub in the US air traffic control network, the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage has led to significant operational strain. DFW experienced flight delays as air traffic flow management became nearly impossible due to controller shortages. The FAA has tried to mitigate the impact by shifting air traffic controllers from less busy facilities to DFW, but this has been a temporary solution at best. Passengers were forced to deal with long delays and flight cancellations as the airport struggled to cope with the rising demand. DFW, which sees a high volume of both domestic and international flights, has become a bottleneck in the US air traffic system due to the controller shortage.
Washington D.C. – Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
In Washington, D.C., Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been particularly vulnerable to the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage. DCA serves a large number of flights to major cities and is often the first stop for international travelers arriving in the United States. With the shutdown continuing, air traffic controllers have struggled to manage the flow of air traffic, especially during rush hour periods. DCA is known for its high-frequency air traffic, and the FAA’s inability to ensure smooth operations has led to extended delays and longer wait times for travelers. The controller shortage has put additional pressure on DCA’s air traffic system, causing more stress for the aviation industry as a whole.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami International Airport (MIA), a key hub for flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, is also feeling the effects of the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage. The lack of controllers has caused delays in flights arriving and departing from MIA, with ground delays becoming commonplace. The shutdown has left the airport struggling to handle the high volume of passengers, with delays sometimes exceeding several hours. Airlines operating out of MIA, such as American Airlines, have faced challenges in keeping up with the flight schedule, leading to cancellations and diversions. MIA, as a vital international gateway, is at the heart of the crisis, impacting not only domestic but also international travel.
Impact of the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control Shortage on America’s Skies
The US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage isn’t just a problem for a handful of airports—it’s a nationwide crisis that affects America’s skies. Airports from Orlando to Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Miami are all feeling the strain. The federal shutdown has made it nearly impossible for the FAA to address the controller shortage, leaving US airports facing delays, cancellations, and operational chaos. The FAA has been forced to implement temporary measures like shifting controllers from less busy facilities and relying on automation, but these solutions are not enough to resolve the underlying issue. With over 3,500 vacancies and increasing air traffic, the situation is dire.
What Needs to Be Done to Solve the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control Shortage
To resolve the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage, immediate action is needed. The FAA must ramp up efforts to recruit and train new controllers and ensure that they are deployed across airports where the need is greatest. Congress must take action to lift the federal shutdown and ensure that the FAA has the resources it needs to fill the vacancies and maintain safe, efficient air traffic management. Without significant reform, the US Nationwide Air Traffic Control shortage will continue to disrupt travel across the United States and put the entire aviation system at risk.
The US air travel system is facing a crisis due to the air traffic controller shortage caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Major airports across the country, including Orlando International Airport (MCO), JFK, EWR, and LGA, have been hit by delays and ground stops as the FAA struggles to manage air traffic with a severely under-staffed workforce. The situation is putting a strain on both passengers and controllers, as the FAA works to mitigate the impact of the shutdown. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has called for immediate action to address the crisis, warning that without a resolution, the air traffic system could face even more severe disruptions in the future.
Source: FlightAware
