SAN FRANCISCO - As of Sunday, air traffic control operations in the United States are experiencing significant flight delays at major airports, and it's likely going to get worse as the government shutdown continues.

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Often, weather causes flight delays and cancellations. But, the long-nagging national air traffic controller shortage, aggravated by sick calls and no pay during the government shutdown, contributes mightily to the issue.

"These are well-qualified professionals that keep our airspace safe, our planes moving on time, and the fact that they have to think about how they put food on the table and need airlines to put food into the towers so they can have lunch and dinner is outrageous," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

To complete the perfect storm,

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