Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently spoke cautiously about the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on air travel, revealing that the aviation system had so far managed to navigate the crisis better than many anticipated, even as air traffic controllers have been working unpaid for several weeks. However, he cautioned that a potential “disaster in aviation” could loom on the horizon if the impasse continues.
In a swift response to the ongoing situation, Mr. Duffy announced significant measures, including the threat to shut down sections of the airspace and reducing flight operations by 10 percent at 40 different airports. This bold decision caught airlines, aviation experts, and lawmakers off guard and underscored the seriousness of the government’s funding crisis.
Duffy’s actions have bolstered his profile within the Trump administration, as he has become a prominent spokesperson during the shutdown. He has frequently appeared in news conferences and television interviews to cast a spotlight on the struggles faced by air traffic controllers who are working without pay while emphasizing the need for a resolution to the stalemate. This push for action gained traction over the weekend when a group of Democrats broke ranks to vote alongside Republicans in favor of legislation aimed at reopening the government.
The situation remains fluid, and while the shutdown has had severe implications for many sectors, Duffy’s proactive stance aims to mitigate the impact on air travel. With ongoing discussions in Congress, there remains hope that a compromise can be reached, restoring normalcy for both aviation workers and the flying public.