Staff Shortages Tied to Shutdown Cause Widespread Flight Delays

Major airports in Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Newark reported delays as more than 5,800 flights were affected.

Passengers line up to check bags before their flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta on June 28, 2022. Elijah Nouvelage/Reuters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced delays at airports around the nation due to staffing issues connected to the government shutdown.

Flights were affected in Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Newark, New Jersey, as the shutdown reached its 19th day, the FAA said late on Oct. 19.