FAA Issues Ground Delay Amid Staffing Shortages at DFW Airport

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a ground delay at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) due to staffing shortages. The delay went into effect Thursday and is expected to average 21 minutes between 5 and 10 p.m.

Today, 307 flights have already been delayed at DFW, with 20 flights canceled, as the airport struggles to manage operational demands.

This marks the second time this week the FAA has implemented a ground delay for the same reason. On Monday, staffing issues similarly impacted hundreds of flights. The FAA explained in a statement, “As Secretary Duffy has said, there have been increased staffing shortages across the system. When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations.”

The staffing concerns are tied to the ongoing government shutdown, which has now lasted 33 days. Federal workers, including air traffic controllers, are working without pay, resulting in many calling out sick.

Other airports are also experiencing delays. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, is facing a 90-minute delay, while Orlando International Airport is seeing delays of approximately 254 minutes, about 4 hours and 14 minutes.

The FAA reported that 832 minutes of delays have occurred across multiple facilities, with a warning that circumstances may worsen. The impact affects not only travelers but also business operations and the economy, particularly in sectors reliant on air travel.

Airports such as Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey are under severe staffing constraints, with maximum individual flight delays reported at 75 minutes. Additionally, delays have been recorded at numerous airports across the country, including Chicago O'Hare and Los Angeles International Airport.

With air traffic controllers working under immense stress, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on CBS News, emphasizing, “We work overtime to make sure the system is safe. And we will slow traffic down, you’ll see delays, we’ll have flights canceled to make sure the system is safe.” Travelers are urged to check flight statuses before heading to the airport as delays and cancellations continue to proliferate nationwide.