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Government shutdown causes ripple effect at airports
With the government still shut down, air traffic controllers are among the many federal workers on the job without pay, including those in Atlanta. They’re considered essential employees, meaning they must continue working. But across the country, some have called out, causing delays and disruptions to air travel nationwide.
ATLANTA - With the government still shutdown, air traffic controllers, including those in Atlanta, are continuing to work without pay.
They’re considered essential workers, like other jobs in the government, so they remain on the job. However, across the country, some controllers are calling out, and that’s starting to impact air travel.
Atlanta airport air traffic controllers
What we know:
Despite having no promise of a paycheck next week, air traffic controllers are in the tower at the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International. But staffing struggles are beginning to pop up at other airports, as more controllers call out sick.
On Monday, the tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California shut down for nearly six hours due to staffing shortages. Another facility had to take over handling air traffic.
It was one of about a dozen FAA locations affected by staffing problems that day.
According to the FAA, Houston, Nashville, and Newark, among others, also experienced similar issues this week.
The FAA has not reported any staffing issues at Hartsfield-Jackson. However, another major FAA facility in the Atlanta area was affected this week. On Tuesday, the FAA reported staffing issues at the Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center in Hampton.
Government shutdown and transportation
What they're saying:
"With the government shut down and everything and they're not getting paid, so it's like, why am I still coming in?" said traveler Keva Sharp. "But still, I feel like it's a responsibility in a sense, because certain jobs do require you to take on a bigger responsibility."
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Flying during the government shutdown? Watch this first
The government shutdown is impacting travel. From air traffic controllers to TSA agents, many are short staffed and not being paid.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the government shutdown is affecting operations, as controllers continue to work without pay.
"In a job that's already stressful, this shutdown has put way more stress on our controllers," Duffy said.
This comes at a time when there’s already a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers. While Duffy acknowledged that stress is rising and more sick calls are being made, he insisted the airspace remains safe.
"If we think there's issues in the airspace, we will shut it down. We will close it down. We will delay," he said.
SEE ALSO: What you can and can't get if your flight is delayed or canceled during the shutdown
What the shutdown means for travelers
Why you should care:
Fewer controllers on the job could lead to more delays or cancellations, as those still working try to manage the increased workload.
The Source: FOX 5's Tyler Fingert covers Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and spoke with travelers for this story. FOX News provided quotes from U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy. Additional details come from previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports.