Orlando International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in Florida, came to a standstill Thursday night after federal officials confirmed there were no certified air traffic controllers available to manage arrivals.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), staffing shortages left the airport without authorized personnel to guide flights safely to land. As a result, incoming aircraft were turned away or delayed, sparking confusion and frustration among passengers.
The shortage comes as the ongoing federal government shutdown continues to strain air operations across the country. FAA advisories indicated that the shortage was temporary, but no clear timeline was given for when full operations would resume.
Local news outlets reported that while departures continued under limited supervision, arrivals were paused until certified staff could return. The ripple effect caused delays in connecting flights and widespread disruptions across multiple airlines.
The FAA says efforts are underway to reassign certified controllers from nearby facilities to stabilize operations at Orlando. Travelers were urged to check with their airlines for real-time updates before heading to the airport. This latest disruption adds to growing concerns about the country’s aviation infrastructure, especially as the busy holiday travel season approaches.
