Oct 7, 2025 - News

Air traffic controller shortage leads to flight reductions at Nashville International Airport

Planes parked at Nashville International Airport in January, 2025. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images

Nashville International Airport will experience a reduction in arriving and departing flights due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, airport officials announced Tuesday. The flight reduction comes amid the government shutdown.

Why it matters: Travelers should check the status of their flights before arriving at BNA, according to the Nashville Airport Authority.

It wasn't immediately clear how many flights would be canceled or delayed because of the reduction.

Driving the news: BNA officials said the Federal Aviation Administration informed them of the reduction about one hour before it took effect at 2:30pm.

The reduction will remain in effect until further notice.

Context: The FAA didn't give a specific reason for the shortages, but Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said earlier this week that more air traffic controllers than usual have called in sick since the shutdown began.

Air traffic controllers are deemed essential workers and are required to work during shutdowns, even though they aren't getting paid.

What they're saying: "As a reminder, FAA has sole responsibility for the National Airspace System. For additional questions, please contact the FAA," the Nashville Airport Authority said in a statement.

Zoom out: Nashville isn't the only city affected by the air traffic controller shortage. Chicago, Houston and Boston are also impacted.

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Air traffic controller shortage leads to flight reductions at Nashville International Airport

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