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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Tuesday that the ongoing government shutdown could result in widespread flight delays and airspace closures across the United States. Americans could see “mass chaos” in the weeks ahead as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers continued working without pay on the 35th day of the government shutdown, Duffy said during a press conference Tuesday. Administration officials and industry leaders cautioned that the crisis could escalate throughout November, leading to what Duffy called a potential “disaster” for travelers and the airline industry. Airports across the country have already seen delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages as the shutdown continues. Newsweek reached out to Duffy’s office via email for further comment. Why It Matters The government shutdown, now in its fourth week, has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers to work unpaid, severely straining staffing at major airports nationwide. The situation poses a threat to America’s densely trafficked airspace, raising concerns over the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the U.S. aviation system as the holiday travel season approaches. With air traffic control staffing reportedly 3,000 short of the required 14,000, many workers have been forced to take on second jobs to support their families. The shutdown has triggered a chain reaction of disruptions at major hubs, risking the onset of mass delays, cascading flight cancellations, and operational uncertainty. A United Airlines plane descends into landing at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on November 3, 2025. Which Airports Are Experiencing Flight Delays? As of October 31, major airports impacted by staffing shortages and delays included Orlando International (MCO), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Boston Logan (BOS), Newark Liberty (EWR), Harry Reid International (LAS), and John Wayne (SNA) also experienced partial or complete closures, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom reported delays at DCA as directly related to air traffic control staffing issues. Officials warned that with 19,000 flights delayed in a single recent span, holiday travel could be sharply impacted as traffic volumes increase in November. DCA Flight Delays: Known Delays at Washington Airport Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C., has faced persistent delays and operational disruptions attributed to understaffed control towers during the shutdown. Ground stops and prolonged wait times were documented as a direct result of the crisis, according to airline executives and FAA updates, The New York Times reported. Why Is the Government Shutdown Causing Flight Delays? The federal shutdown has exacerbated longstanding staffing shortages within air traffic control, causing many critical personnel to work extended shifts without pay. “Coming into this weekend and then the week after, I think you are going to see even more disruptions in the airspace,” Duffy said last week. Flights have been delayed for up to six and a half hours in some areas, with the FAA forced to slow air traffic at numerous major airports due to safety concerns, Reuters reported. In previous shutdowns, worker absences grew as missed paychecks accumulated, compounding the impact on air travel. Unions, including the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), have repeatedly urged Congress to resolve the shutdown and ensure both workforce security and passenger safety. How Many Senate Votes Are Needed to Reopen the Government? To end the current government shutdown, Senate legislation requires at least 60 votes to overcome a filibuster and proceed toward passage. Despite repeated attempts, bipartisan agreement remains elusive. Recently, a bill aimed at guaranteeing back pay to workers failed, with all but three Democrats voting against it, arguing that it would grant President Donald Trump additional powers without providing relief to all 750,000 federal workers placed on unpaid leave. Negotiations remain deadlocked over health care funding, which Democrats have insisted must be addressed in any deal to reopen the government. What People Are Saying Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom last week: “Coming into this weekend and then the week after, I think you are going to see even more disruptions in the airspace.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a press conference on October 23: “We fear there will be significant flight delays, disruptions and cancellations in major airports across the country this holiday season. If Democrats continue to shut down the government, they will also be shutting down Amer...
