Apple News Today What the government shutdown could mean for your next flight
10 snips
Oct 8, 2025 Flight delays are on the rise as air-traffic controllers call in sick during the government shutdown. The Supreme Court is considering a challenge to conversion therapy bans, possibly reshaping national law. There's controversy brewing over the FDA's approval of a generic abortion pill, stirring backlash from anti-abortion advocates. Meanwhile, an off-the-grid scientist discovered he won a Nobel Prize while hiking. Denmark plans to limit social media access for kids, sparking discussions on child safety and online platforms.
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Shutdown Strains Air Traffic Control
- The government shutdown is stressing airports because all 11,000 air-traffic controllers work without pay and some are calling out sick.
- Even small absences in busy facilities can force tower shutdowns and cause cascading flight delays.
Burbank Tower Shutdown Example
- At Burbank Airport the control tower briefly shut down, forcing pilots to self-announce and use a common radio frequency like a four-way stop.
- That improvised system led to delays and illustrated how fragile busy airspace operations can be.
Small Sick-Leave Changes Have Big Effects
- Past shutdowns produced marginal sick-leave spikes that still prompted FAA to implement delays in major airspace.
- Lawmakers often resolve shutdowns quickly, but uncertainty and lost paychecks push workers toward coping measures.