Transportation Secretary Warns of Skybound Chaos Amid Prolonged Shutdown

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Tuesday that a prolonged government shutdown could lead to chaos in the skies, with mass flight delays and cancellations expected if air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck. Duffy made the prediction during a press conference outside the White House, where he was joined by Vice President JD Vance. The Transportation Secretary emphasized that the situation would only worsen with time, citing recent delays at airports across the country. Last weekend saw significant staff shortages, with flights at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey delayed for several hours due to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) decision to slow down or stop traffic temporarily when it was short on controllers. According to Duffy, the air traffic controllers union has also warned that the situation will only get worse if the shutdown continues. "You will see mass chaos. You will see mass flight delays. You'll see mass cancellations," said Duffy, highlighting the potential consequences of a prolonged shutdown. The FAA has been operating with a reduced workforce since the government shutdown began, with air traffic controllers working without pay. The situation has already led to significant delays at airports across the country, with some flights delayed for hours. The FAA has implemented measures to mitigate the impact, including temporarily reducing air traffic at busy airports. The shutdown has been ongoing for several weeks, with lawmakers struggling to reach a deal to fund the government. The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that air traffic controllers are not considered essential personnel, meaning they are not entitled to receive pay during the shutdown. In a statement, the air traffic controllers union expressed concerns about the impact of the shutdown on the safety of air travel. "We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of the flying public, but the situation is becoming increasingly dire," said the union's spokesperson. The FAA has not commented on the potential consequences of a prolonged shutdown, but officials have acknowledged the challenges posed by the reduced workforce. The agency has implemented measures to reduce the impact, including temporarily reducing air traffic at busy airports. As the shutdown continues, lawmakers are under pressure to reach a deal to fund the government. A resolution to the shutdown is expected to be reached in the coming days, with lawmakers working to pass a budget bill that would end the shutdown and provide funding for the FAA. The situation remains fluid, with lawmakers continuing to negotiate a deal to fund the government. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the aviation industry, with the potential for mass flight delays and cancellations hanging in the balance.