Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning on Sunday regarding potential flight disruptions across the country due to a government shutdown that is impacting staffing levels at air traffic control facilities. Speaking during an ABC News interview while a ground stop was in place at Newark Liberty International Airport, Duffy emphasized that the safety of passengers remains the top priority. “We will delay, we will cancel, any kind of flight across the national airspace to make sure people are safe,” he stated, addressing the crucial staffing shortages affecting nearly half of the major air traffic control facilities in the U.S.
Duffy highlighted the concerns arising from air traffic controllers who are being tasked with managing multiple jobs simultaneously due to the shortages, which he deemed as introducing an alarming level of risk into the air travel system. He pointed out that during the ongoing shutdown, air traffic controllers are required to work without pay, further complicating the situation.
The Transportation Secretary expressed urgent concerns about the prolonged government shutdown, warning that if it continues beyond a week or two, the current situation may be viewed as a safer period compared to what lies ahead. He addressed the potential for alternative funding strategies to support air traffic controllers but noted the significant challenges posed by a lack of government funding. “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,” he explained.
In his remarks, Duffy defended President Donald Trump’s negotiating strategy with Democratic lawmakers, highlighting that the administration had already passed a clean funding bill, which leaves little room for negotiation. This situation reflects broader tensions as Democrats seek to utilize the funding discussions to address legislative concerns.
As the government shutdown continues, the impact on air travel is a growing concern, provoking discussions on safety and operational integrity within the aviation sector. With no end in sight, both aviation officials and the public remain attentive to the evolving situation.