Delays haven’t hit Sacramento airport yet as government shutdown slogs on
The Sacramento International Airport said that it is not experiencing any air traffic controller shortages, despite a government shutdown that has left these federal workers without pay.
Transportation Security Administration workers have also shown up at SMF without pay, and a county spokesperson said on Facebook that screening times were still normal.
Other airports have had serious flight delays amid the shutdown that became the longest in U.S. history on Wednesday. Flight delays could cascade if the shutdown continues through Thanksgiving, which is typically the busiest travel time of the year. And Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday that 40 high-volume airports would see flights cut by 10% starting as early as Friday if the shutdown continued.
“We are going to proactively make decisions that keep the airspace safe,” Duffy said at a news conference in Washington.
Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration said that at least 15 of the 30 busiest airports were understaffed amid a “surge in callouts” among air traffic controllers. The Los Angeles Times reported that LAX and San Diego International both experienced average flight delays of an hour on Sunday.
“As we continue to reiterate, we will never compromise on safety,” the FAA said on X. “When staffing shortages occur, the FAA will reduce the flow of air traffic to maintain safety. This may result in delays or cancellations.”
The federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1, when a budget deal expired after Republicans and Democrats reached an impasse over whether to continue funding health insurance subsidies. Republicans have maintained that they do not want to include the subsidies that help people pay for Affordable Care Act plans in the budget deal.
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM.
