A surge in callouts among air traffic controllers "is straining staffing levels" at multiple airports across the U.S. -- including in the New York City area where 80% of controllers are absent, the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday evening.
"After 31 days without pay, air traffic controllers are under immense stress and fatigue," the FAA said in the update.
Here’s what to know about air traffic controllers amid the government shutdown and how staffing shortages could impact travel:.
Why do air traffic controllers work without pay during the shutdown?.
Since air traffic controllers are considered essential workers, they are required to work without pay for the duration of the government shutdown.
Air traffic controllers, like other federal employees, typically receive backpay once the government reopens, but they must draw from savings or find alternative income in the meantime.
Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers have worsened over the course of the government shutdown, though they remain limited to a fraction of facilities nationwide, analysts told ABC News. »