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.

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.

On Friday, air traffic appears to be flowing much better. However, some delays and cancellations still linger.

Articles and videos about Orlando International Airport resumes 'normal operations' following hours of delays, the airport says on FOX 35 Orlando.

FAA said delays at one point averaged 161 minutes Thursday for flights arriving and departing Orlando International.

The FAA is preparing for more possible ground stops and delays at several major airports amid air traffic controller shortages in the government shutdown.

Other major airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), have experienced major delays as well.