On October 9, 2025, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that persistent air traffic controller absences during the government shutdown could lead to dismissals, as US air traffic delays escalate.
Controller Absences Cause Delays
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortages for four days, impacting Newark and New York routes.
US air traffic delays reached 19,000 since Monday, with 3,300 on Thursday alone.
Duffy Targets Non-Compliant Staff
Duffy stressed accountability. “If controllers skip work, they’ll be let go,” he said on a business news channel. A small group’s absences are driving the widespread US air traffic delays.
Most Controllers Show Up
Duffy praised the 90-95% of controllers working unpaid. “A few absentees cause major disruptions,” he noted.
This minority’s actions amplify US air traffic delays across the nation.
Union Addresses Sick Leave
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association responded, noting procedures exist for handling sick leave misuse.
The union urged members to work, warning job actions could lead to termination.
Chronic Staffing Shortages
The FAA faces a decade-long controller shortage, down 3,500 from target levels.
Mandatory overtime and six-day weeks predate the shutdown, worsening US air traffic delays in 2025.
Delay Statistics Soar
Duffy reported staffing-related delays jumped from 5% to 53% recently. The shutdown’s impact, unlike the 2019 35-day halt, emerged faster, intensifying US air traffic delays nationwide.
Lawmaker Pushes Refunds
Senator Ed Markey called on airlines to offer easy refunds for delays.
Unlike weather issues, FAA-related US air traffic delays don’t mandate compensation for hotels or meals.
Comparison to 2019 Shutdown
In 2019, absences grew over 35 days, extending airport wait times. New York’s slowed traffic pressured lawmakers to act. Current US air traffic delays echo similar challenges.
Essential Workers Unpaid
About 13,000 controllers and 50,000 TSA officers work without pay during the shutdown. Their absence risks further US air traffic delays, straining the aviation system.
Path to Resolution
Addressing controller shortages and ensuring attendance are critical.
Resolving the shutdown could ease US air traffic delays, restoring normalcy to flights in 2025 and beyond.
