Government Shutdown Hits Day 25 with Air Travel Facing Increasing Disruptions
Philadelphia, PA – As the government shutdown entered its 25th day, transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the president of the National air Traffic controllers Association (NATCA), Nick Daniels, warned of growing disruptions to air travel during a press conference held at Philadelphia International Airport. Officials emphasized the strain placed on air traffic controllers working without pay, and the potential for increased delays and cancellations.
Secretary Duffy addressed concerns about safety,stating,”The system is safe…we pay close attention [to controller stress] and will reduce capacity or cancel flights” if necessary. He reported a notable jump in delays attributable to controller staffing shortages, rising from a typical 5% to as high as 53% during the shutdown. Duffy attributed the potential for further travel issues directly to the ongoing impasse,stating delays and cancellations could increase “because the Democrats won’t open the government back up.”
NATCA President Nick Daniels highlighted the burden on his members, who manage over 45,000 flights carrying 3 million passengers daily. “We didn’t ask to be the focus of this shutdown, yet every day we’re carrying the full weight,” Daniels saeid, emphasizing the immense stress and uncertainty faced by controllers working without a paycheck. He noted the prolonged shutdown was impacting their ability to maintain focus on critical tasks.
The officials’ statements underscore the widening impact of the shutdown beyond federal employees, directly affecting the traveling public and raising concerns about the long-term effects on the nation’s air travel system.
