LOS ANGELES: A busy California airport had no air traffic controllers on Monday (Oct 6) evening, the state’s governor said, as the effects of a US government shutdown rippled across the country.
Hollywood Burbank Airport, which connects Los Angeles to the rest of the country, was set to be without qualified staff in the control tower for around six hours, Governor Gavin Newsom said.
“Thanks @realDonaldTrump!” wrote Newsom on X. “Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4.15pm to 10pm today because of YOUR government shutdown.”
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), which regulates flying in the US, said departures to the airport were delayed by around two-and-a-half hours.
“BUR TOWER ATC ZERO. RATE REDUCED DUE TO STAFFING,” it said in an advisory.
Broadcaster ABC7 said its reporters had spoken to people at the airport who confirmed the tower would be unstaffed.
The staff said duties at Burbank would be handled by a team in San Diego, which would speak to pilots coming in and going out of the airport.
In a statement to AFP, a spokesperson for the airport said “operations are continuing”.
“We are advising passengers to check with their airline – before arriving at the airport – for updates on possible delays or cancellations,” the statement said.
The development comes as a nationwide government shutdown enters its second week, with Donald Trump’s Republican Party at odds with Democrats over how to pay for many of the US government’s functions.
Most federal workers have been placed on enforced leave, and are not being paid during the shutdown.
But those doing jobs considered essential, like air traffic controllers, are expected to continue to work, albeit without pay.
Political commentators have said it is only a matter of time before this system – effectively one of goodwill – breaks, and staff begin to call in sick while they are not being paid.
Source: CNA
