U.S. Shutdown Meltdown
In October, the federal government shut down after failing to reach a spending agreement, resulting in the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Federal employees were furloughed, and 1.3 million were forced to work without pay, including air traffic controllers and airport employees. Airports experienced extensive delays and disruptions as controllers began calling in sick, ultimately affecting more than 10,000 flights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reduced flights to maintain safety, and the Trump administration announced $10,000 bonuses for those who worked every day during the shutdown.
Related: Travels Delays Mount as Air Traffic Controllers Call Out Sick
