• Over 8,000 US flights were delayed on Sunday due to air traffic control staffing shortages.
• Southwest Airlines reported the highest number of flight delays, approximately 2,000 flights affected.
• The government shutdown has persisted for 27 days, severely impacting federal workers in aviation.
• Air traffic controller absences are significantly higher, contributing to operational challenges across major airports.
• The FAA is currently short of around 3,500 air traffic controllers to meet staffing targets.

Over 8,000 flights were delayed across the United States on Sunday as air traffic controller absences continued due to ongoing government shutdown concerns. According to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is grappling with staffing issues at 22 locations and anticipates more delays and cancellations in the upcoming days, demonstrating the crisis's escalation since the government shutdown began on October 1, according to Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.

FlightAware, a flight-tracking service, reported that these delays surged from about 5,300 on Saturday. Notably, Southwest Airlines faced the brunt of the disruptions, experiencing delays for approximately 2,000 of its flights, while American Airlines saw about 1,200 of its flights delayed, according to South China Morning Post.

The ongoing shutdown has created significant pressure on air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, who are mandated to work without payment during this period. Duffy noted that the staffing challenges may worsen as controllers prepare to miss their first full paycheck, which is due shortly. Many are reportedly seeking additional employment opportunities to cope with financial instability, as highlighted by Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.

As the shutdown approaches its 27th day, flights experienced an average delay of 18 minutes, particularly affecting major hubs including Newark Liberty International Airport and regions in the Southeast. The number of delays attributed to air traffic controller absences has drastically increased to 44 percent, a significant rise from the usual figures. This trend raises concerns regarding the broader implications of the shutdown on American life, prompting calls for governmental resolution to the budget impasse, according to South China Morning Post.

Moreover, the potential expiration of federal funds that support vital community programs adds urgency to the situation, with critical programs facing a funding shortage if the shutdown is not resolved swiftly. Duffy expressed concerns over the mounting frustrations among the public as delays and cancellations continue to hinder travel plans, further complicating the economic landscape during this uncertain time, as per Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.