New Delhi, Oct. 27 -- More than 8,000 flights were delayed across the United States on Sunday as the country grappled with a shortage of air traffic controllers amid the US government shutdown that has now stretched into its 26th day.

The absence of air traffic control staff at airports continues to disrupt travel, and officials expect more flight delays and cancellations in the days ahead.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported air traffic control staffing issues at 22 locations on Saturday. Duffy told Fox News that the figure was among the highest seen in the system since the federal government shutdown began on 1 October, adding, "The controllers are wearing thin."

Certain US a...