Overview

• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says roughly 10% of air traffic controllers are calling in sick, compounding pre‑existing shortages and contributing to widespread delays and cancellations.
• TSA officers and controllers remain on duty without pay, and unions warn that financial strain is reducing staffing reliability at checkpoints and towers.
• The FAA is preserving safety by throttling traffic through flow controls, ground holds and diversions, with some facilities temporarily unable to staff positions.
• Travelers whose flights are canceled are entitled to refunds under DOT rules, but airlines are not required to rebook on other carriers or provide meals and hotels.
• The U.S. Travel Association estimates about $1 billion in weekly lost spending, and the FAA Academy has paused new student starts, risking longer‑term capacity setbacks.