Due to staffing shortages, the Hollywood Burbank Airport experienced a period on Monday without air traffic controllers, leaving operations unmanaged from 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. According to KABC, no controllers were present in the Burbank tower during that time, forcing Southern California TRACON, an approach and departure team based in San Diego, to remotely handle air traffic.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) attributed the situation to broader staffing challenges across the system, stating that reduced personnel prompted a slowdown in flight operations to maintain safety. “Operations are continuing at Hollywood Burbank Airport,” the airport stated, urging travelers to consult their airlines for updates on delays or cancellations.

The crisis coincides with ongoing staffing shortages at both the TSA and FAA, including a deficit of approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers. The FAA warned that unmet flight schedules could lead to increased delays and cancellations. Air traffic controllers impacted by the shutdown will receive partial pay for work completed before the interruption, with full compensation pending resolution.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s attempt to blame the situation on former President Trump, accusing Democrats of prioritizing policies like healthcare for undocumented immigrants over ensuring air traffic controllers are paid. Meanwhile, controllers were scheduled to return to work on Tuesday, with operations expected to resume normalcy by 7 a.m. Early Tuesday morning, flights from Burbank operated without delays.

Air traffic controllers at the airport cited sick calls, last-minute day-off requests, and staffing issues as contributing factors to the shortage. The airport has protocols in place to transfer control duties to Southern California TRACON, which manages air traffic across a vast area including Southern California’s busiest airspace.