Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concern on Thursday about the potential impact of the ongoing government shutdown on U.S. travelers.
During a press conference on the 23rd day of the shutdown, he addressed how the financial disputes in Congress are affecting air traffic controllers. Officials from the Trump administration indicated that the controllers they met were “angry” and “frustrated” about being required to work without pay. They warned that unless there’s a significant change soon, the controllers will not receive their full salaries starting Tuesday, October 28.
Duffy emphasized that safety remains their main priority. He stated, “Any lack of staffing at Tower TRACON or at the center will result in traffic delays and flight cancellations,” adding that moving flights safely is their mission, rather than just maximizing the number of flights.
Duffy noted that air traffic controllers are already facing tough conditions, highlighting that if the shutdown continues, issues could worsen. He explained, “If you have a controller who’s working six days a week and they have to think, ‘How am I going to pay my mortgage?’ they’re at a point where they might choose to seek other employment.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson mentioned that approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 TSA employees are working without compensation as the shutdown persists. He reported 19,000 flight delays and 1,600 cancellations over a recent weekend, a trend expected to rise as the shutdown continues—a concerning factor given the busy holiday travel period approaching.
With major travel times on the horizon, including Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, Duffy reiterated their commitment to safety but cautioned that they cannot guarantee timely flights or avoid cancellations. The impact remains dependent on air traffic controllers consistently showing up for work.
Duffy blamed Democratic leaders for prolonging the shutdown by resisting a Republican funding plan for over a month. He suggested that while Democrats might be inclined to reopen the government, their priorities are complicated by their more radical supporters. “It’s a real shame,” he remarked about their decisions, noting the divide over how to proceed with federal funding operations.
The standoff shows little sign of resolution, with disagreements continuing between Democrats and Republicans over the federal budget. Senate Democrats have insisted that any funding solution also includes Republican concessions on healthcare but have rejected the GOP’s proposal to maintain current funding levels multiple times.
