Three million air travellers impacted by shutdown staffing shortages

Airlines for America, the trade group representing major US airlines, said about 16% of delays are a result of staffing issues during October, three times more than before the shutdown.

It said on Friday alone, 300,000 passengers were affected which is the worst day so far since the shutdown began.

Staffing shortages have heavily affected air traffic control coverage which has led to ground stops at airports on numerous occasions.

TSA security screening lines are also being affected with Houston George Bush Airport security wait times now exceeding three hours.

“Houston Airports is doing everything possible to support our TSA partners and keep passengers moving safely and efficiently. “We ask that passengers continue to arrive early and expect extended security wait times until the federal government shutdown is resolved,” the airport authority said.