US Air Traffic Controller Shortage Raises Flight Risks Amid Government Shutdown

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has highlighted increased risks to U.S. air travel due to a shortage of air traffic controllers caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Many controllers have not been paid for weeks, leading to significant absenteeism and stress, which in turn affects staffing at major airports, including an 80% absence rate in the New York area. Duffy emphasized that while the Federal Aviation Administration is managing the situation through slowed or canceled flights to maintain safety, the shortage does add risk to the system. He reassured that no controllers would be fired for not reporting to work during the shutdown and called on them to continue working despite the challenges. The shutdown, nearing the longest in U.S. history, has led to widespread impacts across the National Airspace System, with delays and disruptions expected to worsen as the situation persists. Duffy stressed that the priority remains passenger safety, and if necessary, traffic will be stopped to prevent accidents.