US Warns of Possible Airspace Closures Amid Government Shutdown
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the United States may have to close parts of its airspace if the ongoing government shutdown continues into next week. Speaking at a press briefing in Washington, Duffy emphasized the potential impact on the nation's aviation system and the role of staffing shortages.
"If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos,"
he stated, placing responsibility on the opposition for the prolonged shutdown, which is nearing a historic duration.
"You will see mass flight delays. You'll see mass cancelations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it because we don't have the air traffic controllers."
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, almost half of major air traffic control stations are experiencing staff shortages. Approximately 13,000 controllers are currently working without pay during the shutdown, and 80 percent of employees in the New York area did not report to work on Friday.
Duffy previously cautioned that air traffic controllers who fail to report for duty could face termination.
"When you come to work, you get paid (after the shutdown ends). If you don't come to work, you don't get paid... If we have some on our staff that aren't dedicated to their work, we're going to let them go,"
Duffy told Fox Business on October 9.
Author’s Summary
The U.S. faces potential airspace closures as staffing shortages strain aviation services amid a record-length shutdown, with Secretary Duffy warning of severe disruptions if it continues.