The recent government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history at 41 days, has led to significant disruptions across various sectors, with the aviation industry facing a particularly critical challenge. President Donald Trump's administration, through Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, has issued a warning about the potential impact on Thanksgiving travel—a time when millions of Americans traditionally take to the skies to reunite with family and friends.
"Yesterday, 18 to 22 controllers in Atlanta didn't show up. We had 81 staffing 'triggers' throughout the national airspace yesterday," Duffy said. "It's only going to get worse."
In an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Secretary Duffy outlined the immediate effects of the shutdown on the nation's air traffic control system. He revealed that just yesterday, a notable number of air traffic controllers in Atlanta failed to report for duty, and the country experienced 81 staffing 'triggers' indicating shortages. These shortages are expected to worsen, potentially reducing air travel to minimal levels in the weeks leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday.
During the shutdown, air traffic controllers were among the federal employees who worked without pay. The financial strain led many to seek alternative income sources, with some not showing up for work at all. Duffy noted that the aviation sector had seen a spike in retirements since the shutdown, with daily retirements increasing from an average of four to between 15 and 20. The secretary expressed concerns about the ability to recover from this loss and sustain efficient airspace control.
Despite a recent deal in the Senate to fund the government through January 30, the damage may have already been done. Hundreds of air traffic controllers have retired due to the shutdown's pressures. This has prompted Secretary Duffy to ensure the public that safety remains a priority, even as flight cancellations and delays become more likely. He emphasized the human element of the crisis, with controllers facing "real economic problems" as they make difficult decisions to provide for their families.
The Senate's decision to reopen the government came after a 60-40 vote, with a bipartisan effort seeing 8 Democrats joining Republicans. While this move signals a path towards normalization, the aviation industry may still feel the repercussions for some time. The ripple effects of the shutdown are expected to be felt most acutely by those planning to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, with many potentially unable to board flights due to reduced service.
