Predicted Chaos in the Skies as Government Shutdown Continues

Wed Nov 05 2025 04:17:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of potential chaos in air travel if the government shutdown persists, affecting air traffic controllers and resulting in widespread flight delays.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issues a dire warning that air travel may descend into chaos as the government shutdown extends, particularly impacting air traffic controllers' pay and leading to significant flight delays across the U.S. Already, controllers face staffing shortages that have resulted in hours-long delays at major airports. With Thanksgiving approaching, the situation may worsen, prompting calls from industry leaders for immediate congressional action to end the shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted Tuesday that if the government shutdown continues, air travel could descend into chaos as air traffic controllers miss paychecks. Current staffing shortages have already led to significant delays at airports nationwide, notably at Newark Liberty International Airport last weekend, where several hours of delays were reported.

Duffy, along with the head of the air traffic controllers union, emphasized that the situation could worsen, particularly as workers face pressure due to financial strains from missed paychecks. They warned of mass flight delays, cancellations, and potential airspace closures if the situation persists beyond the next payday scheduled for Tuesday.

Most flight disruptions so far have been temporary. However, if widespread delays begin to affect the entire system, they could increase pressure on Congress to resolve the shutdown. Industry insights suggest that the travel sector has already lost over $4 billion due to this crisis, with immediate consequences anticipated as the holiday travel season approaches.

The U.S. Travel Association is urging Congressional leaders to act swiftly to prevent further economic fallout as major airlines and industry groups call for an end to the deadlock.

Flight delays, which are currently not yet at alarming levels compared to typical disruptions during major weather events, are still of concern, especially with forecasts predicting continued issues at airports like Newark and LaGuardia due to staffing and weather challenges.