On Monday, October 6, Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles, California, operated without air traffic controllers (ATC) from 04:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., forcing operations to be run remotely by Southern California TRACON in San Diego. This incident occurred during the shutdown of the U.S. Government, alongside the temporary suspension of several other services.
The Impact of the Abandoned Tower
The unmanned tower occurred on the sixth day of the government shutdown, and whilst the 13,000 ATC workers and 50,000 transportation security administration employees (TSA) were expected to continue working despite the lack of pay, many across the nation have called in “sick”.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation said:
We are tracking sick calls, sick leave […] So if we have additional sick calls, we will reduce te flow [of flights] consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people.
Over 80 flights were delayed from Hollywood Burbank Airport, with an average of two and a half hours, whilst some were reported four hours long, meanwhile others were even cancelled due to safety concerns.
Safety Over Anything
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), have said that the situation in Hollywood Burbank Airport is an example of the fragility of the aviation system, and how such shortages can leave the industry vulnerable. Highlighting the urgent need for new and trained staff to aid operations during times such as these.
The staff shortages and the delays they have caused aren’t only found in Burbank. Other airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport as well as Denver International Airport have reported similar incidents, highlighting the effect of the shutdown.
Hollywood Burbank Airport have released statements in light of these delays and the shutdown:
Please check with your airline – before arriving at the airport – for updates on possible delays or cancellations
Is he right? Is this unmanned tower the fault of Donald Trump, or is it the fault of the “sick” ATC and TSA workers? Or is it something else entirely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
