No Air Traffic Control at LA Area Airport Amid US Government Shutdown, Governor Says

A busy California airport was left without air traffic controllers on Monday evening, as the effects of a US government shutdown continued to reverberate across the country, Governor Gavin Newsom reported.

Hollywood Burbank Airport, a key hub connecting Los Angeles to the rest of the United States, was scheduled to be without qualified staff in the control tower for approximately six hours, according to Newsom.

The governor posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Thanks @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4.15pm to 10pm today because of YOUR government shutdown.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that departures to the airport were delayed by around two-and-a-half hours, issuing an advisory stating: “BUR TOWER ATC ZERO. RATE REDUCED DUE TO STAFFING.”

Broadcaster ABC7 reported that airport staff confirmed the tower would be unstaffed. Air traffic duties were being managed remotely by a team in San Diego, who would communicate with incoming and outgoing pilots.

A spokesperson for Burbank Airport told AFP: “Operations are continuing. We are advising passengers to check with their airline — before arriving at the airport — for updates on possible delays or cancellations.”

The situation arises as the nationwide government shutdown enters its second week, with Republicans led by Donald Trump at odds with Democrats over funding many federal functions.

• Most federal workers have been placed on unpaid leave.
• Essential personnel, including air traffic controllers, are expected to continue working without pay.
• Political analysts warn that relying on goodwill may fail, as staff could begin to call in sick due to lack of remuneration.

The dispute centres on health care subsidies:

• Democrats refuse to reopen federal departments without an agreement to extend expiring “Obamacare” subsidies and reverse cuts to health programmes passed as part of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
• The Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation, signed on 4 July, would remove health coverage from 11 million Americans, primarily through Medicaid cuts.
• Democrats warn that another four million Americans could lose coverage next year without subsidy extensions, and 24 million more may see their premiums double.

Republicans argue that health care subsidies can be addressed separately and are not directly tied to keeping the government open.