80% of NYC-area air traffic controllers absent amid 'surge' in callouts [View all]

Source: msn/ABC News

12h


A surge in callouts among air traffic controllers "is straining staffing levels" at multiple airports across the U.S. -- including in the New York City area where 80% of controllers are absent, the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday evening.

In an update, the FAA said half of the 30 busiest facilities in the U.S., known as the "Core 30" were experiencing staffing shortages, "leading to widespread impacts."

The disruptions came as the government shutdown stretched into its 31st day, showing little sign of resolution as opposing lawmakers exchanged barbs and dug into their positions.

Air traffic controllers, who are required to work without pay for the duration of the shutdown, are credited with helping end the most recent shutdown in 2019, when a series of absences delayed flights and heightened pressure on members of Congress. Earlier Friday, staffing shortages snarled flights at airports in Boston, Nashville, Dallas and Newark, New Jersey, among other major cities, according to FAA advisories.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/80-of-nyc-area-air-traffic-controllers-absent-amid-surge-in-callouts/ar-AA1PAMQq