The Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles experienced a significant disruption on Monday evening as air traffic control operations were left unmanned for nearly six hours due to staffing shortages. This incident, part of a broader crisis exacerbated by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, led to widespread flight delays and cancellations across multiple airports, including Newark, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, and Burbank. Delays ranged from 40 to 60 minutes, according to flight data. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed that some air traffic controllers are calling in sick, citing the stress of working without pay during the shutdown, now in its seventh day. He estimated that staffing levels have plummeted to 50% in some areas. Air traffic controllers, classified as essential workers, are required to work without pay during government shutdowns. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), representing over 20,000 professionals, has warned employees that absenteeism could result in termination. Duffy emphasized that safety remains the top priority, even if it means delays or cancellations. He expressed concern that controllers are distracted by financial worries, such as paying mortgages, rather than focusing on their critical duties. The shutdown, which began on October 1 after lawmakers failed to resolve a budget dispute, has left approximately 750,000 federal workers on unpaid leave. This situation mirrors the 2019 shutdown, which strained air travel and ultimately led to its resolution after 35 days. The current deadlock in Congress shows no signs of ending, raising fears of further disruptions to air travel and other essential services.