Burbank Airport With Unmanned Control Tower Do To Government Shutdown

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has begun to severely impact air travel, with Hollywood Burbank Airport in California operating for six hours on Monday evening without any on-site air traffic controllers. From 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Burbank control tower was unmanned, forcing the Southern California TRACON facility in San Diego to remotely manage incoming and outgoing flights.

While TRACON already oversees significant airspace in Southern California, the lack of local controllers caused widespread flight delays and cancellations, disrupting evening travel and extending operations beyond Burbank’s usual 10 p.m. curfew. Some flights were still departing after 11 p.m. due to cascading delays.

Passengers described the situation as both frustrating and alarming. Travelers expressed discomfort with the idea of planes taking off and landing without on-site control, despite remote oversight being technically safe.

According to the FAA, the disruptions are directly tied to the shutdown, which has left thousands of air traffic controllers working without pay. As frustration grows, many have begun calling in sick, worsening the nationwide staffing crisis.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged a rise in absences, stating that safety remains the top priority even if it means slowing traffic. “If we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people,” Duffy said.

Airports in Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Phoenix also experienced delays Monday due to staffing shortages. Experts warn that prolonged unpaid work could make the system “brittle,” increasing risks of flight cancellations and safety lapses as the shutdown continues into its second week.

The situation has sparked political blame on both sides. California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticized President Donald Trump, citing the lack of controllers at Burbank as a direct consequence of the shutdown. The White House responded, blaming Democrats for “inflicting pain on American citizens” to push for expanded health care for undocumented immigrants.

Industry analysts note that this shutdown parallels the 2018–2019 closure, which lasted 35 days and caused widespread disruption when unpaid TSA officers and controllers began missing shifts. Experts say the current crisis could escalate more quickly because of existing staffing shortages of about 3,000 air traffic controllers nationwide.

Main Points

Burbank Airport tower was unmanned for six hours due to the government shutdown.
Flights managed remotely by Southern California TRACON from San Diego.
Nationwide controller shortages worsening as unpaid workers call in sick.
Delays and cancellations reported at multiple major airports.
Political blame exchanged between Trump administration and Democratic leaders.

Projections

Potential Positive Outcomes (Pro):

May push bipartisan urgency to end the shutdown due to air safety concerns.
Could accelerate FAA reforms or contingency planning for remote operations.
Highlights resilience and adaptability of the nation’s air traffic infrastructure.

Potential Negative Outcomes (Con):

Extended shutdown risks serious flight safety incidents.
Economic damage from cancellations and public mistrust in air travel.
Long-term decline in morale and retention among FAA personnel.

Sources

ABC7 Los Angeles – Burbank Airport air traffic control tower goes unmanned amid shutdown
Federal Aviation Administration advisory reports
Statements from Secretary Sean Duffy and Gov. Gavin Newsom