Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning on Sunday regarding the potential impact of the ongoing government shutdown on air travel. During an interview with ABC News' This Week co-anchor Martha Raddatz, Duffy highlighted that flights throughout the country may face significant delays or even cancellations due to alarming staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities. This situation has escalated to the point where a ground stop was implemented at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Duffy emphasized the critical importance of safety in the air travel system, stating, "We will delay, we will cancel, any kind of flight across the national airspace to make sure people are safe amid the shortages." He pointed out that the current staffing issues create a dangerous environment, noting that there is "a level of risk that gets injected into the system when we have a controller that's doing two jobs instead of one."
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported that nearly 50% of all major air traffic control facilities are currently grappling with staffing shortages. This troubling statistic raises serious concerns for travelers as air traffic controllers are required to work without pay during the duration of the shutdown. Duffy warned, "If the government doesn't open in the next week or two, we'll look back as these were the good days, not the bad days," indicating that the situation may worsen if the shutdown continues.
When questioned about the possibility of the Trump administration exploring alternative funding methods to ensure air traffic controllers receive their pay, Duffy confirmed that the administration is doing everything possible to manage the situation. He stated, "We are pulling in whatever dollar we can." However, he acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the shutdown, saying, "There's real restrictions when you don't fund the government." This lack of funding complicates efforts to secure the necessary resources to support critical workforce functions essential for maintaining the country's transportation infrastructure.
The warnings from Secretary Duffy underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing government shutdown to prevent further disruptions in air travel. As the situation develops, travelers should remain informed and prepare for potential delays or cancellations in the coming weeks. The safety of passengers and the functionality of the air travel system depend on addressing the current staffing shortages as quickly as possible.
