More than 5,600 flights across the United States were delayed on the 27th day of the federal government shutdown

The U.S. federal government shutdown entered its 27th day on Monday (October 27), and the number of air traffic controllers absent in the United States increased accordingly, with more than 5,600 flights delayed that day.

Reuters reported that about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration personnel had to work without pay during the government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that due to a shortage of staff, it has implemented ground delay measures at Newark Airport in New Jersey, Austin Airport in Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Several flights in the southeastern United States were also delayed on Monday due to a severe shortage of air traffic controllers.

The Trump administration warned last week that it was concerned that flight delays, disruptions and cancellations at major US airports would intensify during the upcoming holiday season.

Last Sunday (the 26th) alone, more than 8,800 flights were delayed across the United States. U.S. Department of Transportation officials disclosed that 44% of flight delays were due to the absence of air traffic controllers, far exceeding the usual 5% level.

According to data from flight tracking website FlightAware, as of 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday (7 a.m. Singapore Time on Tuesday), 31% of Southwest Airlines' flights in the United States were delayed, 24% for American Airlines, 18% for Delta Air Lines, and 12% for United Airlines.