US Shutdown: America Faces ‘Major Crisis’! Los Angeles Airport Shut, Thousands of Flights Grounded

In what is now the second-longest Government Shutdown in American history, the daily lives of ordinary people have been significantly affected. The ongoing stalemate over the budget has had a severe impact on the country’s air travel system, with flights being grounded due to a shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs).
On Sunday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily halted flights coming into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) due to an acute staff shortage at a major air traffic control center in Southern California.
Several airports were affected, with flights experiencing hours of delays. In addition to Los Angeles, other major airports impacted by the crisis included Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, Teterboro Airport, and Southwest Florida International Airport.
According to the FAA, flights were stopped at their origin airports due to the shortage of staff, resulting in an average delay of about 40 minutes for passengers. The agency warned that even if the ground stop is lifted, traffic restrictions could continue.
As ATCs work without pay, the increasing pressure is leading to a growing sense of strain amidst the unprecedented crisis of the Government Shutdown.
One of the significant impacts of this crisis is the ongoing work of thousands of federal employees without pay. Representative Sean Duffy stated that Air Traffic Controllers working without pay are experiencing financial and mental stress.