Transportation Secretary Warns Air Traffic Controllers Against Unexcused Absences Amid Shutdown

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has cautioned air traffic controllers that unexcused absences during the ongoing government shutdown could result in termination.

"If we have some of our staff that aren’t dedicated like we need, we’ll let them go," Duffy stated, noting that over 90% of controllers have been reporting to work despite the shutdown.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has also urged its members to continue working, emphasizing that coordinated actions disrupting the national airspace system are illegal and could jeopardize their careers.

Airports nationwide have experienced delays due to staffing shortages, with significant impacts at smaller airports like Burbank, California, and Nashville, Tennessee, as well as major hubs including Newark, New Jersey, Chicago, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Duffy acknowledged the financial hardships faced by controllers working without pay and has prioritized increasing hiring to address the critical shortage in the coming years.

NATCA President Nick Daniels highlighted the stress controllers are under, noting that some may need to take on second jobs to make ends meet during the shutdown.

The situation underscores the challenges faced by essential federal employees during the shutdown and the potential impact on the nation's air travel system.