The US airline industry saw yet more flight delays for a second day and even a temporary ground stop at Nashville Airport (BNA) as the government shutdown continues to impact operations.
On October 7, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop at Nashville Airport due to air traffic control staffing issues. After a couple of hours, the ground stop was lifted.
Earlier in the day staff at Nashville Airport had advised passengers that departing and arriving flights would be reduced due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.
One of the busiest airports in the US, Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), also experienced operational issues thanks to staff shortages.
According to CNN, air traffic control facilities looking after planes around Houston, Newark, Las Vegas, Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Dallas were also dealing with reduced staff numbers.
The Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said that the situation was being compounded by staff sickness.
Industry difficulties have arisen due to a government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025. Over 10,000 air traffic controllers must still go to work, but they are not paid while the shutdown continues.
On October 6, 2025, the California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed US President Donald Trump after Burbank Airport (BUR) was left with no air traffic controllers for nearly six hours.
No air traffic controllers for SIX HOURS at Burbank airport yesterday.
Massive delays. Flights cancelled.
But Sean has time to do Fox and Friends and complain about how a Governor hurt his feelings. 😢 https://t.co/0e3QuHvQuR
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 7, 2025
In response Secretary Duffy said: “The reason we are shut down is because YOUR party can’t get its priorities straight. Democrats prioritize things like free healthcare to illegal immigrants over making sure our hard-working air traffic controllers at Burbank airport get paid.”
In a sign of the increasing tensions between Republican and Democrat politicians, Newsom replied: “No air traffic controllers for SIX HOURS at Burbank airport yesterday. Massive delays. Flights cancelled. But Sean has time to do Fox and Friends and complain about how a Governor hurt his feelings.”
