Aviation News – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that an extended government shutdown could severely disrupt national air travel operations.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning on Tuesday, saying that if the federal government shutdown continues for another week, the United States could face “mass chaos” in its aviation system. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Duffy cautioned that prolonged disruptions could force the closure of parts of the national airspace and result in widespread flight delays and cancellations.
The warning comes as federal aviation operations face growing strain amid staffing and funding shortfalls caused by the shutdown. Critical personnel, including air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, and maintenance staff, are working without pay or on limited schedules, threatening the smooth functioning of the nation’s air transportation network. Duffy emphasized that the Department of Transportation (DOT) may be compelled to take drastic safety measures if conditions deteriorate further.
According to the secretary, closing portions of the national airspace would be a last resort to ensure public safety. The move could severely impact commercial carriers, cargo flights, and regional airports, leading to significant economic and logistical consequences across the aviation sector. Duffy said the DOT will “restrict the airspace when we feel it’s unsafe,” underscoring the urgency of restoring normal government operations.
Photo Rob Vogelaar