A nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers is causing mounting flight disruptions, including here at Charlotte Douglas. Controllers are working without pay as the federal government shutdown nears its one-month mark, forcing them to work long hours under increasing financial and emotional strain.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said many workers are clocking six days a week with mandatory overtime, all without pay. Some have begun calling in sick as the stress of working unpaid intensifies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that staffing shortages are creating ripple effects nationwide, with average delays of 20 to 40 minutes at several major airports.

According to Flight Aware, Charlotte Douglas reported 447 flight delays and 15 cancellations on

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