Published October 31, 2025 3:51pm EDT
Florida's busiest airport turns away all flights as air traffic controller shortage hits
FAA warns nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers working without pay for weeks during government shutdown
By Alexandra Koch , Sophia Compton FOXBusiness
The nationwide air traffic controller shortage led the busiest airport in Florida to turn away all arrivals Thursday night, just hours before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publicly urged an end to the government shutdown.
FAA officials issued an advisory Thursday night, warning there would be "no certified controllers for a period of time" at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
The shortage prompted the FAA to cancel all landings at MCO, which is the closest major airport to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Officials updated the advisory less than an hour later, instating a ground delay.
FAA officials said the plan was "revised up due to an increase in staffing" for Florida's air traffic control center.
MCO resumed normal operations Friday morning, FOX 35 reported, citing an airport spokesperson.
On Friday, the FAA called for Congress to end the federal government shutdown, warning that nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay for weeks and that a surge in callouts is "straining staffing levels at multiple facilities."
"Currently, half of our Core 30 facilities are experiencing staffing shortages, and nearly 80 percent of air traffic controllers are absent at New York–area facilities," the FAA posted to X. "After 31 days without pay, air traffic controllers are under immense stress and fatigue."
The agency added that while safety will not be compromised, reduced staffing may result in further delays and cancellations.
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https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-air-space/floridas-busiest-airport-turns-away-all-flights-air-traffic-controller-shortage-hits
