Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), are addressing the challenges posed by the government shutdown on air traffic control operations and the heightened risks to air travel. The ongoing government shutdown has led to the furlough of air traffic controllers, resulting in delayed or canceled flights and increased safety concerns for passengers and crew.
Duffy emphasized the critical need for the government to resume operations to ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic control systems. He highlighted that the shutdown is not only affecting the daily operations of the Transportation Department but also putting the entire national air traffic infrastructure at risk. Daniels, representing the union, expressed concerns over the impact on both controllers and travelers, calling for an immediate resolution to the shutdown to prevent further disruptions.