Over 8,000 flights delayed as air traffic controllers work without pay during Dem-backed government shutdown

Across the United States, there were 8,000 flights delayed on Sunday as air traffic control workers have seen absences continue to interfere with travel. This comes as the government shutdown has entered its fourth week and Democrats have repeatedly voted down measures to reopen the government as well as to pay air traffic controllers who have gone without compensation.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that the Federal Aviation Administration had staffing shortages with air traffic controllers at 22 different locations on Saturday, per Reuters. More flight delays as well as cancellations are expected with the continued shortage of staff. The 8,000 flight delays on Sunday were an increase from 5,300 on Saturday, and the number of delays has been above average since the shutdown began.
 

Sec. Sean Duffy says it is still safe to fly:

"If we have issues, we will slow it down, we will stop it. And so I don't want anyone to think that it's not safe, it's just that you may not be travelling on the schedule that you anticipated because of this government shutdown." pic.twitter.com/159C7aPH2e

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) October 28, 2025