The shortage of the number of workers in the Hollywood Airport on Monday resulted in delaying 56 flights and canceling 12 flights. Now, seven days after the federal government is closed, the shortage of air traffic monitors, who will not receive their salaries until the closure ends, causes similar problems in airports in other major American cities.
Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration warned travelers who travel to and from Borbank Airport against expecting delays as the monitoring tower remained completely dark for about six hours.
Governor Javin Newsum wrote on social media: “Borbank Airport has no observers of the Air Movement from 4:15 pm until 10 pm today because of the closure of your government,” blaming President Donald Trump and his administration in employment problems.
While some scheduled flights managed to land and take off during those hours, air traffic operations were carried out by crews more than 130 miles in San Diego.
Experts warn that the problem will likely be exacerbated by air traffic and safety department monitors to summon patients because they do not receive their salaries.
“This will happen at other airports with a continued closure,” Peter Greenberg, a travel expert, told KTLA. “Remember that all these basic federal workers, whether they are air traffic monitors, or customs security department agents, customs and border protection are required to work, but do not get their salaries.”
By Tuesday evening, airports in Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas, Boston, Atlanta, Nafeville and Niger have reported employment problems in their monitoring towers, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce the number of takeoffs and landing operations to maintain safety.
This reduction leads to more delay and abolition of flights.
At a press conference, Nick Daniels, head of the National Air traffic monitors Association, seemed frustrated.
He said: “We have no time to waste it on the unnecessary deviations caused by this closure.” “So, our message is clear: they ended the closure.”
US Minister of Transport Sean Duffy insisted that the shortage of employees does not endanger passenger safety.
He said: “Is our atmosphere not safe? No.” If we think there are problems in the airspace, we will close it. ”
Some passengers reported that their pilots were reassuring the passengers by air that they were not in danger.
The pilot went out and said: “Hello, we are all safely. I will make sure that we all get there safely. I want to get there safely. So, be reassuring, you will all be fine, “One of the Purbank Airport passengers told KTLA.
While it is expected that an estimated 750,000 federal employees will receive late salaries after the reopening of the government, the comments made by President Trump on Tuesday in the Oval Office raised concern in some circles.
Trump said that he would “follow the law” over the late wages of federal employees, minutes after he said that the compensation “depends on who we are talking about” and that some workers will be taken care of “in a different way.”
The Associated Press and Sandra Mitchell from KTLA contributed to preparing this report.