Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that continued delays in air travel could result in chaos for millions of passengers if the government shutdown is not resolved in the coming days. Controllers missing a second paycheck could exacerbate existing delays and cancellations.
So far, numerous delays have been reported across major airports in the U.S., attributed to staffing shortages and slowdowns by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Last weekend, Newark Liberty International Airport experienced significant delays, reflecting the mounting impact of the shutdown.
Duffy indicated that many controllers are managing the stress of missing one paycheck but cannot sustain missing two. He remarked, “You will see mass chaos...mass flight delays,” emphasizing the critical role of controllers in maintaining air traffic flow.
Flight disruptions have remained localized for the moment, but if delays become endemic, public pressure for Congress to take action might intensify. Observers speculate that coordinated sick-outs could add strain to the system, although union leaders urge members to remain steadfast in their duties.
Former FAA air traffic control head Mike McCormick noted that operational adjustments, such as temporarily closing parts of airspace, are not uncommon in emergencies. As the holiday season draws near, major airlines and the travel industry are pressing on Congress to resolve the impasse, citing an already substantial economic impact exceeding $4 billion. The potential for a chaotic travel period looms large as Thanksgiving approaches, a time historically marked by heavy travel.
Despite the circumstances, aviation analytics show that overall delays have not significantly surged due to the government situation, although reports indicate a drop in timeliness at key airports. With thousands of delays already reported in a single day, industry watchers remain on high alert.
