In the US, serious problems with air traffic controllers have arisen due to the shutdown, causing massive delays and cancellations of flights. Airports in California and air hubs in Denver, Newark, and New Jersey are experiencing staff shortages.
According to FlightAware, on October 6 alone, over 6,000 flights were delayed in the US, the highest number since the summer of 2022. It was also reported that a medical helicopter crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento, injuring three people.
A Spirit Airlines passenger plane dangerously approached Air Force One with President Donald Trump on board during a flight over New York.
Lufthansa pilots have supported a possible strike during the pilots' union VC vote. They demand an increase in pension contributions for around 4,800 airline employees, but the date of a possible strike has not yet been announced.
In the United States, significant issues with air travel have arisen due to the shortage of air traffic controllers related to the shutdown: massive delays, canceled flights, and a passenger plane's near miss with Air Force One. Additionally, pilots of the German airline Lufthansa expressed support for a possible strike due to their demand for increased pension contributions for their colleagues.