Air-traffic controller staffing issues delay flights at major U.S. airports

Flights at numerous major U.S. airports were delayed Friday due to an "increase in sick leave" among air-traffic controllers, theFederal Aviation Administration said.

The FAA briefly issued a ground stop at New York City'sLaGuardiaAirport on Friday morning, temporarily halting flights because of thestaffing issues, while delays were also recorded at Newark and Philadelphia airports.

FAA spokespersonGregory Martinsaid issuesoccurredat two air-traffic facilities: one inWashington, D.C.,that controls high-altitude air traffic over seven states, and anotherin Jacksonville, Fla.

On Twitter, the agency said: "We are mitigating the impact by augmenting staffing, rerouting traffic, and increasing spacing between the aircraft as needed."

The issues come amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which affects hundreds of thousands of federal workers, including air-traffic controllers.

Friday marksthe day federal workersmiss their second paychequesince the shutdown began.

White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said in a statement that U.S. President Donald Trump had been briefed on the airport delays.

In a letter sent to Trump shortly before the delays were announced, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomowarned the president that the continuingshutdown is impacting safety and security at airports and putting travellers at risk.

Air Canada and WestJetbothoperateflights to LaGuardia, the airport that appeared the most affected by the staffing shortage. In Toronto, numerous delays were reported for flights headed to LaGuardia fromPearson International Airport.

Martin said safety at U.S. airports was being maintained during a period of "minimal impacts" on travel.

On Thursday, three major U.S. airlines American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlueAirways said the impact of the shutdown on theirbusiness had so far been limited but was nearing a tippingpoint.

"No one can predict what impact it will have as itcontinues," Southwest chief executive Gary Kelly said of theshutdown on Thursday.