Flight delay alerts issued at major US airports due to staffing shortages and congestion

Major US airports are experiencing significant flight delays this Friday due to a combination of air traffic congestion and staffing shortages.

Passengers flying into or out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on Friday are among those most affected. 

At EWR, a Ground Delay Program (GDP) was issued due to volume and compacted demand, meaning too many flights are scheduled to arrive in a short period. 

The program limits arrivals to 34 flights per hour, resulting in average delays of about 55 minutes and maximum delays up to 126 minutes. 

In Houston, IAH is also under a GDP, but as a result of staffing shortages, in addition to ongoing runway construction. 

The program reduces arrivals to 48 per hour, resulting in average delays of 34 minutes and some flights delayed as long as 85 minutes.

The FAA emphasized that these programs are designed to manage airport capacity safely and reduce congestion in the air and on the ground. 

Flights departing other major US airports may also be impacted, as arrival restrictions ripple through connecting flights nationwide.

Travelers are advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport, allow extra time, and monitor real-time flight updates. 

While delays are frustrating, the measures are intended to prevent more serious disruptions and ensure air traffic safety. 

EWR services nearly 1,200 arrivals and departures daily. It is unknown how many flights have been impacted by Friday's issues.

The Federal Aviation Administration's alert noted the GDP will run until at least 11:59pm ET.

During this period, arrival slots are restricted at Newark, and flights may be delayed or held on the ground before departure to manage traffic safely. 

The FAA had announced the ground stop at IAH hours before they hit the airport, which is set to expire at 9pm ET.

This comes a day after ground stops were issued at both airports and New York's LaGuardia (LGA) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Flights at DCA were being delayed an average of 31 minutes, and delays at LGA were averaging 82 minutes.

At least 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay during the government shutdown.

FlightAware, a flight tracking site, said more than 4,200 flights were delayed Thursday, including more than 15 percent of flights at Reagan, Newark and LaGuardia and 13 percent at Bush.

Federal officials are worried that absences by controllers may increase over the weekend. Controllers will miss their first full paycheck on Tuesday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: 'We fear there will be significant flight delays, disruptions and cancellations in major airports across the country this holiday season.'

Democrats reject the contention that they are responsible and say it is President Donald Trump and Republicans who refuse to negotiate.

Air traffic control has become a flashpoint in the debate over the shutdown, with both parties blaming the other. Unions and airlines have urged a quick end to the standoff.