**Title: Staffing Shortages Impact Air Traffic Control Amid Shutdown**

A recent incident at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Southern California has raised concerns about air traffic control staffing amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. On Monday, a pilot preparing for takeoff was informed that the air traffic control tower was closed due to staffing shortages. This situation is part of a broader trend affecting airports across the country as the shutdown continues.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that flights at Burbank were delayed for approximately two hours because the control tower had no air traffic controllers on duty. An FAA spokesperson confirmed that the tower was unstaffed from about 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time. During this time, air traffic was managed remotely by a facility based in San Diego.

The government shutdown, which began last week due to a funding impasse, has led to widespread service disruptions and the furloughing of numerous federal employees. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump for the staffing issues at Burbank, while Trump attributed the problems to delays caused by Democrats. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that the shutdown has increased stress on air traffic controllers, who are still required to work without pay.

Despite the unstaffed tower, the FAA stated that flights could still operate, albeit under procedures typically used at smaller airports without control towers. Pilots were required to communicate directly with each other while taxiing to and from the runway. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) described the situation as indicative of the fragility of the aviation system amid a national shortage of air traffic controllers.

Air traffic controllers resumed normal operations at Burbank on Tuesday. However, the FAA's chief operating officer reassured the public that the air traffic control system remains safe. Franklin McIntosh emphasized the importance of ensuring that air traffic controllers and technicians have the necessary resources to maintain safety.

While air traffic controllers are still required to work during the shutdown, they are not receiving pay. Duffy noted that some controllers have begun taking sick leave, contributing to delays at various airports. Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are still expected to report for duty during the shutdown.

The union representing air traffic controllers has warned its members against participating in any job actions, reminding them that such actions could lead to removal from federal service. The union stressed the importance of maintaining high levels of public service during this challenging time.

Staffing issues have affected flights at multiple airports, including Newark, Phoenix, Denver, and Las Vegas. On Monday, over 4,000 flights in the U.S. were delayed, with significant percentages of flights arriving late at major airports. The FAA reported that on Tuesday afternoon, there were over 2,100 delays and 58 cancellations.

The Canadian Air Traffic Control Association has also expressed concern, noting that the situation could impact Canadian travelers as well. They warned that delays and operational slowdowns could occur, particularly in congested airspace.

The current shutdown has drawn comparisons to a previous 35-day shutdown in 2019, which resulted in increased absences among air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers. During that time, air traffic was slowed significantly, prompting lawmakers to act quickly to resolve the funding standoff.

NATCA President Nick Daniels called for an end to the shutdown, stating, "We need to bring this shutdown to a close so that the Federal Aviation Administration and the committed aviation safety professionals can put this distraction aside and focus completely on their vital work."