Travel at Hollywood Burbank Airport is facing delays as the air traffic control tower is unmanned amid the US government. FAA warns against delays of 30-45 minutes, while air traffic controllers and TSA staff work without pay. Why is Burbank Airport’s air traffic control tower unmanned? Travelers at Hollywood Burbank Airport experienced delays on Monday night after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the air traffic control tower would be unmanned from 16:15 to 22:00 due to a lack of staff exacerbated by the continued US government’s closure. “There were increased staff shortages across the system,” a FAA spokeswoman said. “When that happens, the FAA delays traffic to some airports to ensure safe operations.” Governor Gavin Newsom blamed the Trump administration for the deficit and on social media: “Burbank Airport today has no air traffic controllers from 16:15 to 22:00 because of your government’s standstill.” Eyewitness reports confirmed that Burbank controllers are going home at 16:15 hours, and the Tracon, an approach and departure team in San Diego, who manages much of the air traffic in South California. How are Burbank Airport affected flights? Despite the fact that the tower was unmanned, airport exhibitions showed no cancellations and only minor delays around 16:00 FAA officials hope for minimal disruption, although the full impact on travelers is uncertain. The FAA has multiple staff triggers across the country, with delays already reported to Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis and Phoenix. Delays are largely linked to air traffic controllers who become ill, a phenomenon that increases as employees become unpaid during the closure. ‘We keep sick calls, sick leave. Did we have a slight tick in sick calls? Yes. And you will see delays that come from it? Because again, our priority, again, I want to see that your flight is not delayed. I don’t want you to be canceled, but our priorities are safety. If we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow of a rate. Why do air traffic controllers and TSA employees still work? Air traffic controllers and TSA officials are considered essential employees, which means they must continue without paying. There are about 13,200 air traffic controllers and more than 61,000 TSA employees who are expected to stay on the track, despite the closure. Jeffrey Price, professor of aviation at Metropolitan State University of Denver, warned against potential disruptions: “The system becomes a little more brittle, and the longer it goes, the more the traveler will notice it.” Historical precedent emphasizes the risks. During the 35-day restoration in 2018–2019, unpaid TSA officials and air traffic controllers became ill, causing flight breaks and temporary airport terminal closures. How long will Burbank Airport take staff shortages? The FAA foresees that until 22:00 the Burbank Airport will be without air traffic controllers, although officials are trying to bring in faster staff. Air traffic controllers are expected to receive a final salary for hours before closing, with normal payment resuming as soon as the closure ends. The shutdown comes at a time in which both the TSA and FAA are already facing long-term staff shortages, including an estimated 3000 less air traffic controllers than needed. If the system is unable to handle scheduled flights safely, the FAA will delay the takeoff and landings, which may increase delays and cancellations for travelers across the region. What can Burbank Airport -Passengers expect? Travelers are advised to check flight status in advance and enable extra time for security controls, as longer lines can develop as the downtime continues. While immediate disruptions at Burbank Airport were limited on Monday, continuing staff challenges could worsen as the government’s closure continues.
US government impact of government! Burbank Airport Air Traffic Tower Unmanned, flights delayed
