Duffy Presses on ATC Delay, Closure Warnings

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has ratcheted up his warnings about the ramifications of the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in history, telling media outlets that the delays are only going to worsen as air traffic controllers face a second missed paycheck. This may result in rolling airspace closures as staffing requires, he said, telling a CNBC reporter this week that if the department thought safety was in question, it would shut the whole airspace down. “We’re not there yet,” he added.

Duffy reiterated that he wants controllers to come to work and do their jobs, but also said they need to worry about feeding their families.

Meanwhile, he has issued a series of tweets on X: “Yesterday 46% of flight delays were due to staffing issues in air traffic control towers. This is UNACCEPTABLE.” Duffy cited the White House in agreement, saying, “It is only going to get worse the longer the shutdown goes and the holiday travel season approaches.”

Other tweets from Duffy: “Yesterday saw another horrible record set. 84% of delays were due to staff shortage. If this shutdown doesn’t end now, air traffic controllers will receive another $0 paycheck…Many controllers are not coming to work because they have to find a job that will pay them.”

He also warned that the shutdown is hampering the effort to recruit new air traffic controllers.