The US air travel system is facing significant disruptions due to ongoing air traffic controller absences, resulting in over 8,000 flight delays across the country on Sunday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) experienced staffing issues at 22 locations on Saturday, with US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning of additional shortages leading to more flight delays and cancellations in the coming days.

According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, the number of delayed flights increased from approximately 5,300 on Saturday to over 8,000 by 11 pm ET on Sunday. Major airlines such as Southwest, American, United, and Delta were severely impacted, with delay rates ranging from 17% to 45% of their total flights. The shutdown, which has entered its 26th day, has left around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers working without pay.

The FAA has implemented ground delay programs at several major airports, including Chicago’s O’Hare, Washington’s Reagan National, and Newark Liberty International, due to staffing shortages. The situation is being closely monitored, as increased travel disruptions may put pressure on lawmakers to resolve the budget deadlock. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that air traffic controllers are “wearing thin” and are seeking alternative sources of income, including taking on second jobs.

The Trump administration has warned that flight disruptions will escalate as controllers miss their first full paycheck on Tuesday. The FAA is currently short of its targeted staffing levels by around 3,500 air traffic controllers, many of whom were already working overtime and six-day workweeks before the shutdown. As the situation continues to unfold, the impact on air travel and the US economy is likely to be significant, with many calling for a swift resolution to the government shutdown.