U.S. may be forced to close some airspace next week if government shutdown continues, Duffy says

The ongoing government shutdown in the United States is starting to have serious implications for air travel. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently warned that certain parts of the airspace may need to be closed if the shutdown continues into next week. This could result in mass flight delays, cancellations, and potentially unsafe conditions if staffing levels for air traffic controllers cannot be maintained.

Duffy emphasized that commercial air travel remains safe, but staffing issues are causing more delays than usual. In fact, he revealed that 46% of the previous day’s flight delays were due to staffing issues in air traffic control towers, a significant increase from the usual 5%. This has led to concerns about the impact on air travel if parts of the airspace have to be restricted or closed.

The prospect of closing parts of the nation’s airspace due to staffing issues is unprecedented, according to aviation industry experts. Sheldon Jacobson, a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, noted that such drastic measures could have a major impact on travel nationwide. The interconnected nature of the hub-and-spoke model means that closing airspace in one area, like New York, could affect passengers in multiple cities.

With air traffic controllers working without pay during the shutdown, more controllers than usual are calling in sick. Duffy has discouraged them from taking on side gigs to make ends meet, as the job requires 100% focus 100% of the time. The longer the shutdown continues, the more financial pressures controllers face, leading to concerns about their ability to perform their jobs effectively.

The U.S. Travel Association has called on congressional leaders to end the shutdown to avoid disruptions during the busy Thanksgiving holiday. The industry trade group warned that staffing shortages could lead to longer airport wait times, more frequent flight delays, and cancellations, potentially derailing travel plans for millions of passengers.

In conclusion, the government shutdown is starting to have a tangible impact on air travel in the United States. As staffing issues worsen and more controllers call in sick, the possibility of closing parts of the airspace looms large. It is crucial for congressional leaders to end the shutdown to prevent further disruptions and ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.