Chaos erupted at major U.S. airports on Thursday as air traffic controller shortages led to ground delays of more than two hours, leaving travelers stranded nationwide.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented ground delays at multiple airports, including Orlando International, where delays averaged more than 2 hours. Additionally, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport saw 90-minute holdups, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 21-minute setbacks, all largely due to shortfalls in air traffic control staff.
FAA officials canceled a planned Orlando closure for Thursday evening after finding additional personnel.
FlightAware, an aviation tracking platform, showed nearly 6,000 nationwide delays and 1,100 cancellations. Approximately 20 percent of United Airlines flights were affected. The website on Thursday evening showed delays at San Francisco International Airport, LaGuardia, Miami International, Orlando International, and Reagan….