The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that flights to Los Angeles International Airport were suspended Sunday morning due to a lack of staff at an air traffic control center in Southern California.
The FAA imposed a temporary suspension of flights to one of the world’s busiest airports shortly after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted travelers would see more flights delayed and canceled in the coming days as the nation’s air traffic controllers work without pay during the federal government shutdown.
Mr. Duffy indicated in an interview on the show Sunday Morning Futureson Fox News, that more and more controllers were taking sick leave, financial worries adding to the stress of an already difficult job.
“Just yesterday we had 22. That’s one of the highest numbers we’ve seen since the government shutdown started. It’s a sign that the controllers are at their wit’s end,” he said.
The FAA reported that Los Angeles-bound planes remained grounded as of 11:42 a.m. EDT, resulting in average delays of one hour and 40 minutes. The agency said it plans to lift the takeoff ban at 1:30 p.m. EDT, but may continue to restrict the number of flights to LAX Airport.
According to the FAA, staffing shortages also disrupted takeoffs and arrivals at Newark Liberty International Airport and Teteboro Airport, New Jersey, as well as Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Meyers, Florida.
