The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday evening initiated a temporary ground stop at Nashville International Airport (BNA), citing acute air traffic controller staffing shortages as the primary cause.

According to FAA and local airport sources, flights arriving and departing BNA were scaled back beginning at 2:30 p.m. local time, with expected delays averaging more than two hours.

The restriction was labeled “brief” in FAA communications but remained in effect until later in the evening—some traffic curtailments extending until nearly midnight in some reporting.

Airport officials stressed that weather was not a contributing factor, and the reduction in operations stems purely from “staffing” issues in the control tower.

News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF)

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority confirmed all airlines had been notified and urged travelers to check with their carriers before arriving at the airport.

This disruption at BNA is part of a broader pattern of delays across U.S. airspace during the ongoing government funding lapse, with the FAA reporting controller shortages in multiple hub airports.

Politico

As controllers—deemed essential staff—continue to work without pay, union leaders and federal officials warn that further slowdowns or stricter traffic management measures may become necessary unless the budget impasse is resolved.