**Title: Air Traffic Controller Shortages Cause Flight Delays Amid Shutdown**

As the government shutdown enters its second week, air traffic controller sick calls are leading to significant flight delays and cancellations across the United States. Many airport towers and control facilities are struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels, resulting in disruptions to air travel.

Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers and are not furloughed during a shutdown. However, approximately 13,294 controllers are working without pay, according to the Department of Transportation. This situation has prompted an increase in sick calls, further straining the already limited workforce.

Burbank Airport in California experienced severe staffing shortages on Monday, forcing its control tower to close from 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. PDT. During this time, flights were delayed by an average of more than 2.5 hours. Controllers from a nearby San Diego facility managed traffic during the closure.

"Clearance is closed. Ground’s closed. Local’s closed. The tower is closed due to staffing," a controller informed pilots, highlighting the challenges faced by air traffic management. Other facilities, including Philadelphia TRACON, Denver Center, and Phoenix Airport, also reported staffing issues, leading to over 600 flight delays at Denver and more than 200 at Phoenix.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged the staffing shortages, stating, "When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations." The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is collaborating with the FAA to address these disruptions.

"It is normal for a few air traffic controllers to call in sick on any given day, and this is the latest example of how fragile our aviation system is in the midst of a national shortage of these critical safety professionals," NATCA stated.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that sick calls are widespread and not limited to specific facilities. He expressed concern over staffing levels, which have dropped by as much as 50% in some areas. "These are high-skilled, high-performing, safety-driven professionals that I don't want them driving for work," Duffy said.

Controllers have voiced their worries about financial stress due to the shutdown. Duffy met with controllers in Newark, who shared their concerns about managing their finances while performing their demanding jobs. "Now what they think about as they're controlling our airspace is, 'how am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment?'" he said.

Air traffic controllers are expected to receive a partial paycheck on October 14, but if the shutdown continues, they will not be paid on October 28. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, they will receive back pay once the shutdown ends.

The shutdown is also affecting the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which provides subsidies for airlines to serve rural areas. Duffy warned that funding for the EAS program will run out on October 12, potentially disrupting air service in remote regions, particularly in Alaska.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the shutdown, linking it to the lack of air traffic controllers at Burbank Airport. Duffy responded, attributing the shutdown to broader political issues.

As the shutdown continues, the aviation industry faces ongoing challenges, with air traffic controller shortages exacerbating existing staffing issues. The FAA has indicated that the situation could worsen if sick calls continue to rise, leading to further delays and operational adjustments.