Hollywood Burbank Airport Temporarily Without Air Traffic Controllers

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, California’s Hollywood Burbank Airport will operate without air traffic controllers for several hours Monday evening. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning that staffing shortages would begin at 4:15 p.m. and last until around 10 p.m. local time.

The FAA indicated efforts are underway to bring in additional staff earlier than 10 p.m., but cannot guarantee the gap in coverage will be filled in time. During this period, the tower at Burbank will be unstaffed, with control managed remotely by the Southern California TRACON based in San Diego, which will communicate with pilots of active flights.

This staffing lapse highlights the broader impact of the ongoing shutdown, which has left many federal agencies and workers working without pay. Airport employees, including air traffic controllers, are affected, with some considering legal action from past shutdowns where controllers sued over unpaid wages and security staff called out sick for weeks.

The shutdown has already caused concern over potential delays and cancellations across the aviation sector. The FAA has been short approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers for more than six months, exacerbating existing staffing shortages. Aviation groups warned that delays in critical safety inspections and maintenance could follow if the shutdown persists.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the shutdown, blaming it on federal policy. He tweeted, “Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 pm to 10 pm today because of YOUR government shutdown.”

As the shutdown continues into its sixth day, many are concerned about its impact on air travel, with many expecting delays and disruptions across various airports. Despite efforts to resolve the funding impasse, most Senate Democrats rejected a Republican-led stopgap funding bill, prolonging the shutdown.