Transportation Secretary Warns of Potential Airspace Closures Amid Government Shutdown

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that the ongoing government shutdown could necessitate the closure of certain U.S. airspace regions if the situation persists into next week.

"So if, if you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos," Duffy stated. "You will see mass flight delays. You'll see mass cancelations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it because we don't have the air traffic controllers."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that nearly 50% of major air traffic control facilities are experiencing staffing shortages, with approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers working without pay during the shutdown.

Duffy highlighted the personal challenges faced by these controllers, noting that many are considering alternative employment to meet financial obligations.

"These hard-working Americans have bills to pay, and they are being forced to make decisions and choices," Duffy said. "Do they go to work as an air traffic controller, or do they have to find a different job to get resources, money, to put food on their table, to put gas in their car? And as every day goes by, I think the problem is only going to get worse, not better."

Previously, Duffy suggested that controllers who failed to report to work could face termination. However, he has since softened this stance, stating that he would not fire controllers for not showing up to work during the shutdown.

"They need support, they need money, they need a paycheck. They don't need to be fired," he said.

The potential for airspace closures underscores the escalating impact of the government shutdown on national air travel and safety.