NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) -- The government shutdown is officially the longest one in history.

For the first time, elected leaders in Washington are expressing some optimism that a deal could be in the works.

But that's not helping wait times at the airport.

Melissa and Pam headed out of town via Newark Liberty International Airport.

“I’ve been here before when it was a six-hour delay. That’s a nightmare. So far so good and fingers crossed," Melissa said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports staffing shortages and call-outs are accounting for an increasing number of delays.

The number of planes in the air corresponds to the people in the towers.

As the second no-pay period is coming up, delays could get even worse.

"We will see mass flight delays and mass cancellations, and you

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