The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said that Orlando International Airport later on Thursday is expected to be without certified air traffic controllers preventing landings as employee absences grow during the ongoing government shutdown.

A government shutdown is causing flight delays due to air traffic controller staffing issues. Air traffic controllers are working without pay, which an expert says adds significant stress to a high-pressure job. Orlando International Airport experienced delays averaging 161 minutes on October 30.

Flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) were delayed for hours on Thursday night due to FAA staffing issues, according to the FAA's National Airspace System website.

The FAA said in a statement that delays at these airports averaged more than two hours at Orlando, 90 minutes at National Airport in Washington and 21 minutes at Dallas.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) ranked among the top airports in the 2025 USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. MCO was named the No. 4 best large airport, praised for its customer satisfaction and concessions. The airport secured the No. 3 spot ...

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