‘Shutdown’ leaves Hollywood airport without flight controllers

This Monday, the United States entered the second week of administrative shutdown, following the impasse between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate over the federal budget.

As a result, hundreds of thousands of employees of federal bodies and agencies were furloughed, while those considered essential continued to work, but with their salaries temporarily suspended.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that operations at Burbank airport experienced average delays of 151 minutes and that there were also staffing problems at other airports in the west of the country.

A Burbank spokesperson told AFP that “operations continue at the terminal” and advised passengers to check with airlines before heading to the terminal for up-to-date information on delays or cancellations.

Airport officials confirmed the situation to broadcaster ABC, adding that a team in San Diego, just over 200 km to the south, would temporarily take over control and communication functions with pilots.

Democrats have refused to approve the budget demanded by Republicans to reopen the government, unless Trump’s party agrees to reinstate health care subsidies and reverse cuts made under the ambitious “Big and Beautiful Law” recently promoted by the president.