WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — If the government shutdown continues into next week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) may be forced to shut down parts of U.S. airspace, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Tuesday. Duffy said the crisis is looming because staffing shortages among air traffic controllers have grown severe. About 13,000 controllers are reportedly working without pay due to the shutdown. He said if the shutdown persists, “mass chaos” in flights is likely.

He said: “If you bring us to a week from today … you will see mass flight delays. You will see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace. We just cannot manage it because we don’t have the air traffic controllers.” The FAA says nearly half of the country’s major air-traffic control facilities are short-staffed. In the New York area, one report said 80% of air traffic controllers had called out. Duffy said working without pay is causing financial strain and increasing risk in the system.

He added that if safety cannot be guaranteed, airspace closure remains an option: “We will delay, we will cancel, any kind of flight across the national airspace to make sure people are safe.” Flight delays and cancellations have already started. At major hub airports, operations are being disrupted as the system strains under reduced staff. Airlines and travel-industry groups are warning of mounting economic losses if the situation worsens.

With the busiest travel season ahead, the risks grow. “With Thanksgiving, the busiest travel period of the year, imminently approaching, the consequences … will be immediate, deeply felt by millions of American travelers,” the U.S. Travel Association said. The shutdown began on October 1 and is now one of the longest in U.S. history. Duffy’s comments point to mounting pressure on Congress to act. Without funding, essential aviation functions remain vulnerable.

Duffy previously stated he would not fire controllers who fail to show up, acknowledging the financial hardship they face.

If parts of the airspace are closed:

  • Some flights may be cancelled or rerouted.
  • Delays will increase, possibly significantly.
  • Travel plans during the holiday period may be disrupted.

Airlines are advising passengers to monitor schedules and be prepared for changes. Travelers may want to check with their carriers and allow extra time at airports.

Duffy emphasized that the system remains “safe for now” but warned that each day the shutdown continues, the risk grows. If Congress does not act soon, the DOT may face a scenario where closing parts of the airspace becomes unavoidable. For now, the key keyword in play is air travel disruption amid government shutdown, with rising flight delays, air traffic controller shortages, and the possibility of airspace closure.