Transportation Secretary Warns of Potential Airline Groundings Amid Government Shutdown
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that prolonged government shutdown could lead airlines to ground their fleets due to air traffic controller shortages.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that if the government shutdown persists, airlines may be compelled to ground their fleets due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.
"You will see mass flight delays. You'll see mass cancellations, 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," Duffy stated during a press conference at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already implemented a phased reduction in flight operations at 40 major airports, starting with a 4% cut on November 7, escalating to 10% by November 14. These measures aim to alleviate the strain on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay during the shutdown.
Duffy emphasized that the decision to reverse these restrictions would be data-driven, focusing on metrics such as the frequency of close calls between planes and delays caused by staffing shortages. He also noted that some airlines might choose to ground their planes if the situation does not improve, potentially disrupting travel plans ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday season.
The ongoing shutdown has led to increased absenteeism among air traffic controllers, resulting in significant delays at key airports, including Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Newark. Major airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, and United are adjusting operations in response to these challenges, with American Airlines warning that disruptions will worsen over time.
Duffy also mentioned that air traffic controllers would receive approximately 70% of their missed pay within 24 to 48 hours of the shutdown ending, with the remainder to follow within a week. He endorsed President Trump's proposal to reward controllers who maintained perfect attendance during the shutdown with a $10,000 bonus.
The situation remains fluid, with the Department of Transportation and the FAA closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system.
Source
The New York TimesFact-checking
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