Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles remained unmanned for several hours after air traffic controllers failed to report for duty, as the ongoing US government shutdown disrupted federal staffing across the country

Airport tower left unmanned during shutdown

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the control tower at Burbank Airport was left without staff from 4:14 pm to 10 pm local time. The shortage was attributed to a wave of sick calls from unpaid federal workers affected by the shutdown that began on October 1.

During this period, controllers at the Southern California TRACON center in San Diego were instructed to guide flights landing and taking off from Burbank remotely, ABC News reported.

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Newsom blames Trump for the crisis

California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized President Donald Trump for the shutdown, which he said created dangerous staffing shortages.

“Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 pm to 10 pm today because of YOUR government shutdown,” Newsom wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The governor’s post drew widespread attention, highlighting growing concerns over aviation safety and operational continuity during the shutdown.

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Shutdown deepens air travel disruptions

The FAA said many air traffic controllers had called in sick after missing paychecks. Around 13,000 controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are required to continue working without pay until a new spending bill is passed.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said staffing had been reduced by up to 50% in certain regions since the shutdown began. The situation echoes the 35-day shutdown of 2019, during which large numbers of controllers and TSA staff stayed home, forcing widespread delays and cancellations at major airports.

Political deadlock continues

Talks between Republicans and Democrats to reopen the government have made little progress. President Trump has blamed Democrats for the funding impasse, claiming layoffs of federal workers have already begun.

“It’s taking place right now, and it’s all because of the Democrats,” Trump told reporters. “The Democrats are causing the loss of a lot of jobs.”

The FAA and Department of Transportation have not provided further updates on when staffing levels at Burbank or other affected airports will return to normal.