Major airports issue ground stops due to air traffic controller staffing shortages amid government shutdown | 23 Oct 2024 | Three major U.S. airports issued ground stops or delays Thursday, all attributed to staffing shortages amid the federal government shutdown. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C., was the first to issue a ground delay program Thursday, noting flights were pushed back an average of 30 minutes due to staffing issues. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York later issued ground stops due to staffing, halting all departures from the two major airports. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the probability of the ground stops being extended is “medium,” or 30% to 60%.