Air traffic controllers to miss paycheck as shortages trigger flight delays, cancellations

Air traffic controllers will miss their biweekly paycheck, which would have gone out on Oct. 28, as the government shutdown continues.

It marks the first time during the shutdown — now in its 27th day — that controllers will go without a full paycheck.

Air traffic controllers are classified as essential employees, meaning they are required to report to work during a shutdown. However, officials say sick calls have noticeably increased in recent days.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there were 22 staffing “triggers” on Saturday, indicating a shortage of controllers.

“That's a sign that the controllers are wearing thin,” Duffy said Sunday in an interview on Fox News.

Flights at Los Angeles International Airport were temporarily halted on Sunday due to staffing shortages, and ai