Nashville flights delayed amid air controller shortage
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Staffing shortages in Nashville's air traffic control tower delayed hundreds of flights on Tuesday, according to a statement from the airport.
What they're saying: The FAA attributed the shortages to "unexpected call outs."
By the numbers: The airport reported 263 delayed flights Tuesday affecting about 39,450 passengers.
State of play: Officials said staffing was back to normal on Wednesday, with "no immediate staffing concerns."
Yes, but: Air traffic control staffing problems have been widespread during the federal government shutdown. Delays in major hubs could still still effect flights at BNA.
The intrigue: Shortages could put more pressure on Congress to end the government shutdown, which has controllers working without pay while fueling delays and safety concerns, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick reports.
Flashback: Controller and TSA "sick-outs" played an under-appreciated role in ending the 2018-19 shutdown, as lawmakers faced the prospect of a snarled air traffic network.