FROM DAILY MAIL: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been forced to issue a ground stop at Newark airport over a staffing shortage caused by the government shutdown.
The advisory issued at 3.32pm ET says that the ground delay program – which halts flights at their origin – will be in effect until at least 10.59pm.
The maximum delay is 87 minutes and the average is 40 minutes, according to the FAA, with the cause listed as ‘staffing.’
The government shutdown means that 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers aren’t being paid, causing huge increases in sick days and absences.
White TSA agents are considered essential, and therefore required to work even if they aren’t being paid, absenteeism is common as they try to make ends meet with no paycheck.
In addition to staffing shortages, the risks involved with financially strapped workers includes concerns about increases in fatigue and stress.
Andy Kim on the ground stop at Newark Airport, per @_cadenolson
“A lot of people are concerned about safety and security, so I’m certainly worried about that, and want to make sure that we’re taking all the steps that we can to be able to tackle that…that’s what I’m worried…
— Adam Pack (@packreports) October 29, 2025
Staffing’ issues force Newark Airport ground stop as federal shutdown wears on.https://t.co/itJbCagMcV
— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) October 29, 2025
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