Transportation Secretary Warns of Flight Disruptions Amid Government Shutdown

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has cautioned that the ongoing government shutdown is causing staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities nationwide, potentially leading to flight delays and cancellations.

Speaking during a ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport, Duffy emphasized the administration's commitment to safety, stating, "We will delay, we will cancel, any kind of flight across the national airspace to make sure people are safe." He highlighted the risks associated with controllers managing multiple roles, noting, "There is a level of risk that gets injected into the system when we have a controller that's doing two jobs instead of one."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that nearly 50% of major air traffic control facilities are experiencing staffing shortages. Air traffic controllers are required to work without pay during the shutdown, leading to increased strain and absenteeism.

Duffy warned that if the government does not reopen soon, the situation could deteriorate further, stating, "If the government doesn't open in the next week or two, we'll look back as these were the good days, not the bad days."

When asked about alternative funding mechanisms to compensate air traffic controllers, Duffy acknowledged the challenges, saying, "But there's real restrictions when you don't fund the government. When you say there's no dollars available, it becomes really challenging to find dollars to pay the different components of really critical workforces that keep our country moving forward."

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has expressed concerns over the sustainability of the current situation, warning that continued staffing shortages and unpaid work could compromise aviation safety.

As the shutdown persists, travelers are advised to stay informed about potential delays and cancellations, and to check with airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses.