Summary
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that the ongoing government shutdown is causing significant issues for air travel in the United States. With air traffic controllers missing work due to missed paychecks, airport operations are being reduced, affecting travelers nationwide, especially before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown has led to many air traffic controllers not showing up for work.
- The FAA has cut airport operations, affecting 40 airports across the country with reductions expected to increase.
- Already, thousands of flights have been delayed or canceled in recent days.
- Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing significant delays due to staffing shortages.
- Sean Duffy stated that air travel will slow significantly the two weeks before Thanksgiving.
- Retirements among air traffic controllers have increased, according to Duffy.
- There is political disagreement over responsibility for the shutdown, with both parties blaming each other.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for President Trump to negotiate with Democrats to reopen the government.
