The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has been forced to issue a ground stop at Newark airport over staffing shortage caused by the government shutdown.
The advisory issued at 3.32pm ET says that the ground delay program – which halts flights at their origin from taking off to Newark – will be in effect until at least 10.59pm.
The maximum delay is 87 minutes and the average is 40 minutes, according to the FAA, with the cause listed as ‘staffing.’
The government shutdown means that air traffic controllers and TSA agents aren’t being paid, and as a result there have been huge increases in sick days and absences.
Almost 3,000 flights were beset by delays around the nation today, with more than 130 cancelations.
Air traffic controllers (ATC) and TSA agents are considered essential and are therefore required to work despite not receiving their paychecks. But during shutdowns absenteeism increases, with many workers reporting issues such as affording gas and childcare.
The problem is exacerbated by the length of the shutdown, which entered its 29th day on Wednesday, making it the second-longest in history and fast approaching the record which stands at 35.
On October 26, about 44 percent of flight delays nationwide were caused by ATC staffing issues, compared to the usual 5 percent earlier this year.
United Airlines planes are seen at the tarmac at Newark International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., May 7
