Sean Duffy
MediaPolitics

Duffy Warns of Flight Delays, Airspace Closures If Shutdown Persists

RNN Staff

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning Sunday, saying the ongoing government shutdown is putting serious pressure on the nation’s air traffic control system — and that delays and cancellations may soon be necessary to protect passenger safety.

Appearing on ABC’s This Week, Duffy addressed growing concerns as air traffic controllers call in sick or seek other employment, with nearly half of major control facilities experiencing staffing shortages. In New York alone, 80% of controllers are reportedly out.

“This isn’t sustainable,” Duffy said. “If the shortage continues, we will delay or cancel flights as needed. Safety comes first — always.”

Pressed by host Martha Raddatz on whether airspace closures or airport shutdowns are on the table, Duffy didn’t rule anything out.

“There’s a level of risk that gets injected into the system when one controller is doing the work of two,” he said. “We’re managing it for now, but if this continues another week or two, we’ll look back and realize these were the good days.”

Duffy noted many controllers are young or still in training and are now going unpaid during the shutdown, pushing them toward side jobs just to make ends meet. “They’re having to choose between going to work without a paycheck or driving Uber to feed their families,” he said.

The Transportation Secretary placed the blame squarely on congressional Democrats. “They’re focusing on illegal health care and refusing to compromise,” he said. “I hope they come to their senses and reopen the government before our aviation system starts to break down.”

For now, Duffy emphasized, safety is still being maintained — but the window to avoid widespread disruption is rapidly closing.

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