The US Secretary of Transportation has warned of potential closure of parts of the country’s airspace if the government shutdown continues, leading to significant travel disruptions. Sean Duffy made the statement during a press briefing, emphasizing the possibility of mass flight delays, cancellations, and airspace restrictions due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, nearly half of major air traffic control facilities are facing staffing challenges as approximately 13,000 controllers work without pay during the shutdown. Many controllers are taking on additional jobs to make ends meet amidst the prolonged period without wages.
Duffy highlighted the safety concerns associated with the shutdown, stating that while the system is currently safe, increased risks are being introduced due to the circumstances. The government shutdown, which commenced on October 1, has left essential workers without pay and halted various government services.
Prior to the shutdown, controllers were already working overtime to compensate for staffing gaps, with some covering multiple positions. Duffy expressed concerns about the increased workload on controllers, noting that the situation was being exacerbated by the shutdown.
Recent reports from the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that a significant percentage of air traffic controllers in the New York area were absent, further underscoring the impact of the shutdown on operations. Duffy emphasized the limitations in finding alternative funding for air traffic controllers, citing legal constraints and the governmental system in place.