Government Shutdown Threatens Air Travel
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a warning that if the government shutdown extends into next week, the Trump administration may have to close airspace in certain regions of the country.
The ongoing 35-day funding lapse has already caused significant disruptions to domestic air travel. On Monday alone, 2,900 flights were delayed, largely due to a rise in absenteeism among air traffic controllers, many of whom are currently working without pay because of the shutdown. Duffy mentioned that without a resolution, “havoc” could ensue in U.S. airspace, blaming Democrats for the deadlock and urging them to defund the government.
“If Democrats could just give us a week, we’re looking at massive disruption,” Duffy emphasized. “There will be plane delays, cancellations, and we might have to shut down parts of our airspace due to the lack of air traffic controllers.”
A majority of Senate Democrats voted on Tuesday against a clean continuing resolution that would reopen the government. This decision came despite the escalating consequences of the ongoing shutdown. The nation’s four biggest airlines have called on Congress to resolve the situation, backing a clean resolution favored by Republicans.
“Delta Air Lines strongly urges Congress to swiftly pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen government agencies,” noted the airline, which is based in Atlanta. “This situation creates a stressed environment, reducing efficiency and leading to delays for the millions traveling daily.”
Meanwhile, around 500 travel industry groups warned of potentially “devastating” effects on the upcoming holiday travel season, advocating for immediate bipartisan action to pass a clean resolution.
Despite the shutdown and its challenges, Democrats have pointed fingers at Republicans, stating that they are to blame for the disruption in air travel.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized former President Trump, saying, “He needs to stop posting angry truths on social media and show real leadership.” He continued to express his frustrations over the current situation, suggesting that Trump’s inactivity during his presidency has become even more pronounced. “The Republican Party has faced a complete disaster and failure for much of this year,” he remarked.
