Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers are working unpaid, according to the FAA|Joe Mabel|CC BY 3.0
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that airport delays will get worse as the government shutdown enters its fifth week, leaving nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers unpaid, according to the FAA.
Duffy told CBS that problems have already hit airports in Los Angeles, Dallas, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta.
Ground delays stretched up to four hours at Newark Liberty Airport, with staffing shortages reported in Nashville, Jacksonville, Austin, Denver, and Northern California.
FlightAware reported 4,295 delays and 557 cancellations nationwide by yesterday evening. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently facing a shortage of about 3,000 controllers.
Duffy said the government will halt air traffic if safety is at risk, emphasizing that controllers face tough choices between feeding their families and working without pay.
Political deadlock persists
The Trump administration ruled out special funding for controllers. Meanwhile, Democrats said that only presidential action can end the shutdown, which has entered its fifth week, and has disrupted travel ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.