A "surge" in air traffic controllers calling out of work caused widespread delays in major US airports, a government aviation agency has said. Half of the 30 major airports in the US were experiencing staff shortages,

The move comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Here is what you should know.

The Federal Aviation Administration faces severe staffing issues exacerbated by a prolonged government shutdown, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations across major U.S. airports. Airlines are urging Congress to resolve the shutdown to ensure aviation safety and prevent further disruptions.

Passengers can expect average delays of nearly three hours, the FAA said, warning that at some point all flights into Florida’s busiest airport could be halted.

The government shutdown impacts the aviation industry as air traffic controllers work without pay, prompting a White House meeting with airline leaders ahead of holiday season.

The Federal Aviation Administration has warned of a severe staffing crisis as 13,000 unpaid air traffic controllers continue working amid the US government shutdown, causing major flight delays and safety concerns nationwide.

Multiple U.S. airports were experiencing or expecting ground delays Thursday night due to staffing shortages, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

While Raleigh-Durham International Airport has seemingly avoided heavy delays due to the government shutdown, the people meant to keep people safe are working without pay. They missed their first full paycheck this week.

After many federal employees missed paychecks, AFGE called for a “clean” continuing resolution. The financial issues are compounded by other recent changes too.

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to continue paying for food stamps during the federal shutdown. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, aids roughly 42 million people and was set to run out of funds on Saturday without intervention.