Delays at Airports Expected to Worsen Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concerns on Sunday that airport delays “will only get worse” as the government shutdown stretches into its fifth week, with air traffic controllers not receiving pay.
There are pressing questions about the extent of disruptions across the transportation system. Duffy shared his thoughts during an interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan.
“We’ve seen issues cropping up in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Atlanta. Honestly, I think it’s just going to escalate from here,” he remarked.
The outlook is particularly grim following significant ground delays at key transportation hubs on Sunday. For instance, Newark Liberty International Airport faced nearly four hours of backups. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and New York City Emergency Management reported these delays.
Moreover, staffing shortages are being felt at major airports like Los Angeles International and San Diego International, with long wait times reported as of Sunday evening.
This disruption comes just weeks before Thanksgiving, a peak travel time in the U.S.
Duffy noted that if the shortage of air traffic controllers leads to safety concerns, federal authorities will have no choice but to “stop traffic,” but he emphasized that such measures are not desirable.
“While we may not have the most advanced air traffic control equipment, we do have the safest airspace managed by the best air traffic controllers, who deserve their pay,” Duffy stated.
In previous comments, Duffy suggested that air traffic controllers who choose to skip work due to unpaid salaries might face termination. However, he adjusted his stance on Sunday, acknowledging their financial challenges.
“It’s a tough position for them. With no paycheck for over a month, they’re forced to make tough choices—like whether to feed their kids, fuel their cars, or pay their rent,” he said.
He added, “I’m not going to fire air traffic controllers. They need financial support, not dismissal.”
The government shutdown, now in its fifth week, has disrupted air travel and federal support programs nationwide.
