Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is warning of a worsening crisis in U.S. air travel due to the ongoing government shutdown, placing full responsibility on Democrats for refusing to fund essential services. Flight reductions across the country have already begun, with a 4 percent cut in operations expected to increase to 10 percent by next week.
Duffy spoke during a discussion with Breitbart News Washington Bureau Chief Matthew Boyle, detailing the growing strain on air traffic controllers. Most controllers are working without pay, and the next paycheck is expected to be zero dollars. Duffy explained that many newer employees, lacking savings, are now forced to take second jobs or leave their posts entirely.
As a result, the system is under increasing stress. “What that has done is put a lot of pressure on the air traffic control system,” Duffy said, noting the unpredictable nature of the disruption. Delays and cancellations are already being reported at major airports like LAX, JFK, and Dallas–Fort Worth, with different cities affected on different days due to staffing shortages.
The Department of Transportation is phasing in the 10 percent reduction to avoid a complete breakdown, Duffy said, calling it a move to “mitigate risk.” He emphasized that even with safety as the top priority, no form of travel is completely risk-free. The agency is trying to match flight capacity to staffing levels in order to maintain minimal service without jeopardizing passenger safety.
Despite efforts to reduce the impact on the public, Duffy said Democrat lawmakers have been complaining while offering no solutions. “We have worked overtime to make sure that we minimize the impact on the American people. We’re trying to help the American people,” he said. “Vote to open the government.”
Duffy emphasized that the shutdown is not a political stunt by his department but the result of congressional inaction. He made it clear that essential transportation services are being used as political leverage, stating, “Open the damn government.” He directly blamed lawmakers on the left for delaying critical funding, endangering safety, and creating unnecessary hardship for working Americans.
As the holiday travel season nears, flight disruptions are expected to worsen unless Congress acts. Duffy’s comments underscore the broader concerns about national security, infrastructure stability, and the consequences of partisan gridlock on everyday Americans.
