The airports affected by the 2025 government shutdown due to air traffic controller shortages and staffing issues include:
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (California) experienced a complete tower shutdown for hours, causing significant flight delays.
- Nashville International Airport (Tennessee) saw severe staffing shortages leading to temporary ground stops and extended flight delays.
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport had insufficient controllers, causing delays for over 1,000 daily flights and ground delays averaging 41 minutes.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport also faced delays and flight reductions.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (New Jersey) experienced staffing shortages with flight delays and a reduction in operations.
- Orlando International Airport (Florida) had reduced flight operations imposed by the FAA.
- Major airports in Las Vegas, Boston Logan, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston (George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airports), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and Phoenix also dealt with air traffic controller shortages and flight disruptions.
- Dallas Love Field Airport faced delays of up to one hour.
- Several other airports including Denver and Jacksonville were impacted to various extents.
These staffing shortages are caused by air traffic controllers and some other essential federal airport staff required to work without pay during the shutdown. Many controllers have reported calling in sick, further exacerbating the situation and leading to delays, cancellations, and temporary closures of some control towers (e.g., Burbank).
Travelers should expect delays, especially in these key airports, and monitor real-time updates from airlines and airports during the shutdown.
