HOUSTON (KIAH) — Travelers flying in and out of Texas airports should brace for delays as the ongoing government shutdown begins to affect air traffic control staffing.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the shutdown is causing air traffic controllers to work without pay, leading to increased stress and fatigue among workers.

On Tuesday, airports in Houston and Dallas faced staffing shortages, which led to potential ground stops to ensure safety.

Dallas-Fort Worth Airport reported 163 flight delays as of 4 p.m., according to Flight Aware.

Union leaders representing air traffic controllers are urging the federal government to resolve the shutdown to alleviate the pressure on workers.

"What they don't need is, you know, dealing with the stress and fatigue of dealing

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