Burbank Airport Control Tower Unstaffed Due to Government Shutdown
Hollywood Burbank Airport is experiencing significant operational challenges due to an unmanned control tower. This situation arises amid the ongoing government shutdown, leading to notable flight delays.
Burbank Airport Control Tower Unstaffed Amid Government Shutdown
The air traffic control tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport has been without staff since 4:15 p.m. on Monday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) anticipates that this condition will persist until 10 p.m. In the face of the government shutdown, air traffic controllers are working without compensation.
Flight Delays and Staffing Shortages
As of 5 p.m., outgoing flights from Hollywood Burbank were facing an average delay of 2 hours and 31 minutes, according to FAA reports. The longest delay recorded exceeded three hours. The FAA identified staffing shortages as the primary cause of these delays.
Alternative Air Traffic Management
Despite the lack of personnel in the control tower, air traffic in the surrounding airspace is managed by Southern California TRACON. This facility, based in San Diego and operated by the FAA, utilizes radar technology to guide safe flight operations across multiple airports in Southern California.
Political Reactions and Union Concerns
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his frustration, attributing the issue to President Trump’s government shutdown. He tweeted, “Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. today because of YOUR government shutdown.”
- The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) labeled the current situation as an example of the vulnerabilities within the national aviation system.
- NATCA emphasized the ongoing staffing shortages and their implications on flight safety and efficiency.
- Approximately 11,000 air traffic controllers are currently working without pay during the shutdown.
Wider Impacts of the Shutdown
The FAA acknowledged that air traffic control staffing shortages are affecting multiple airports nationwide, including Newark Liberty, Denver International, and Harry Reid International in Las Vegas. This incident comes during a government shutdown that has lasted six days, causing widespread furloughs and operational disruptions across federal departments.
