California's Hollywood Burbank Airport will have no air traffic controllers Monday evening, FAA warns
Share this @internewscast.com

BURBANK, Calif. — Operations at Southern California’s Hollywood Burbank Airport might face disruptions as a growing number of air traffic controllers begin to take absences due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Beginning at 4:15 p.m. Monday, Hollywood Burbank Airport will have no air traffic controllers in their tower, ABC News has learned.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects there won’t be air traffic controllers at the airport until 10 p.m. Local authorities, however, are working to arrange earlier staffing if possible.

Eyewitness News spoke with air traffic controllers at Burbank Airport, who mentioned they would leave by 4:15 p.m., rendering the tower unstaffed at that time. They plan to pass their responsibilities to Southern California TRACON in San Diego, which manages approaches and departures for flights arriving and departing from Burbank.

Officials are hoping for minimal impacts on travelers, but it’s unclear what the extent of the impacts may be.

An FAA advisory indicated the presence of various staffing triggers, including ground delays affecting airports in Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Phoenix.

Delays with air travel were anticipated due to the government shutdown, which entered its sixth day on Monday.

Despite this, control towers and airport security checkpoints continue to have staff, with approximately 13,200 air traffic controllers and over 61,000 TSA employees expected to keep working.

However, according to Jeffrey Price, a professor of aviation at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, if the situation persists, travelers might experience longer security lines and potential flight disruptions as employees go without pay.

“The system does become a little bit more brittle, and the longer this goes, the more the traveler is going to notice it,” Price said.

That’s what happened in 2018 and 2019, when Trump led the country into its longest shutdown ever for 35 days during his first term.

About three weeks into that shutdown, some unpaid security screeners started calling in sick, and air traffic controllers sued the government in a bid to get their paychecks. Miami International Airport had to temporarily close one of its terminals because TSA officers were calling in sick at twice the airport’s usual rate.

The latest shutdown is unfolding at a time when both the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration are already facing staffing shortages, including a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers.

If the system can’t handle the number of flights that are scheduled, the FAA will slow down landings and take offs and passengers will see more delays and cancellations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Major cities see violent crime surge as national rates plummet significantly in 2025: survey

2025 Crime Paradox: Major Cities Face Surge Amid National Decline – What You Need to Know

In 2025, the nation saw a decrease in violent crime, yet some…
Our Chicago: Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest Comes To Chicago

Chicago Gears Up for a Spectacular New Year’s Eve Bash with Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Show Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

CHICAGO — This year marks a significant milestone for “Dick Clark’s New…
Charlie Kirk’s killing, Idaho murders plea and Karen Read verdict: Inside 2025’s biggest crime moments

Inside 2025’s Major Crime Events: The Charlie Kirk Homicide, Idaho Murder Plea, and Karen Read Verdict

The year 2025 unfolded with a series of crime stories that not…
TSA's union distractions thwart air safety — so Trump is stepping in

Trump Intervenes as TSA Union Issues Raise Concerns Over Air Safety

This holiday season, approximately 18 million Americans are relying on the Transportation…
UK to tighten immigration rules over voter frustration with high immigration numbers: 'Failed experiment'

UK Prime Minister Faces Backlash Over Welcoming Freed Egyptian Prisoner Amid Controversial Social Media Revelations

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under fire for his warm reception…
One dead after 2 helicopters crash mid-air in, New Jersey, Hammonton police say near Basin Road

Tragic Mid-Air Helicopter Collision Near Basin Road in Hammonton Claims One Life: Latest Updates

Tragedy struck in Hammonton, New Jersey, as a midair collision between two…
'Diff'rent Strokes' actress Melanie Watson has died

Remembering Melanie Watson: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of the ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Star

Melanie Watson, fondly remembered for her role in the 1980s sitcom “Diff’rent…
Freezing rain, ice threaten North Jersey and Hudson Valley, NYC to get mostly rain

Icy Conditions Loom Over North Jersey and Hudson Valley, While New York City Braces for Heavy Rainfall

Northern New Jersey and the southern Hudson Valley may experience freezing rain…
American Red Cross, International WeLoveU Foundation host blood drive in Bolingbrook amid critical need for donations

American Red Cross and International WeLoveU Foundation Unite for Urgent Blood Drive in Bolingbrook Amidst Donation Shortage

In Bolingbrook, Illinois, the WeLoveU Foundation hosted a significant blood drive on…
Pennsylvania man charged after killing mother, wounding father after Christmas

Pennsylvania Resident Faces Charges for Post-Christmas Incident Resulting in Mother’s Death and Father’s Injury

A young man, aged 18, was apprehended in West Virginia following an…
Antwan Staley: Aaron Glenn is asking for patience, but Jets need to give reason for optimism

Jets’ Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn Urges Patience, Seeks to Ignite Fan Optimism

Aaron Glenn is urging Jets fans to remain patient and have faith…
In Presser With Zelensky, Trump Reveals the One Issue That's Holding Up a Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal

Trump Unveils Key Obstacle in Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks During Zelensky Press Conference

President Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky wrapped up their meeting on…