Summary
Air traffic controllers will miss their pay next week due to the ongoing government shutdown, which may lead to more travel disruptions. Staffing shortages have already caused delays at airports, and the situation could get worse if the shutdown continues. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the financial issues might deter new recruits and increase pressures on lawmakers to end the shutdown.
Key Facts
- Air traffic controllers will miss their first paycheck next week because of the government shutdown.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns this could cause more travel disruptions.
- A similar situation during a 2019 shutdown led to flight limits at big airports.
- Current air traffic controllers face financial difficulties, risking further staff shortages.
- The missed paychecks could make it harder to recruit new controllers for the FAA.
- Safety concerns increase if staffing levels in control towers drop too low.
- Secretary Duffy blamed Democratic lawmakers for the shutdown during a press briefing.
