Overview
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said parts of U.S. airspace could be closed within about a week if staffing shortfalls persist.
- He vowed to halt the entire system if he determines flight safety cannot be guaranteed.
- FAA data show 20% to 40% of controllers are absent at the largest airports, contributing to tens of thousands of delays.
- Roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 TSA officers are working without pay as bottlenecks spread across major hubs.
- Congress has not reached a budget deal, while debate over using the Senate’s “nuclear option” has intensified with no resolution in sight.