The Federal Aviation Administration has halted some incoming flights into LaGuardia Airport in New York due to air traffic control staffing issues, local sources are reporting.
The FAA’s ground stop was issued Friday morning just before 10 a.m., according to NBC New York.
Flights are also being delayed at Philadelphia and Newark airports due to “staffing issues,” CNBC reported.
The news comes just two days after unions representing air traffic controllers, pilots and flight attendants expressed their “growing concern” for safety amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Sara Nelson, Int’l President, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, issued the following statement:
“This is exactly what AFA and other aviation unions have been warning would happen. The aviation system depends on the safety professionals who make it run. They have been doing unbelievably heroic work even as they are betrayed by the government that employs them. They are fatigued, worried, and distracted – but they won’t risk our safety. So the planes will stay on the ground. This is anything but a sick out – it only about our safety and the air traffic controllers’ absolute commitment to it. Do we have your attention, Congress? Open the government and then get back to the business of democracy to discuss whatever issue you so choose. This shutdown must end immediately. Our country’s entire economy is on the line.”
FAA Status: Advisory
Due to OTHER / STAFFING, there is a Traffic Management Program in effect for traffic arriving La Guardia Airport, New York, NY (LGA). This is causing some arriving flights to be delayed an average of 1 hour and 26 minutes.
General Departure Delays: Because a traffic management program is delaying some arriving flights, departing flight schedules may be affected. Check with your airline to determine if your flight is affected.
General Arrival Delays: Arrival traffic is experiencing airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.