Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Oct. 6 that thegovernment shutdownis adding stress to already overworked and understaffed air traffic controllers, as some areas have seen an uptick in controllers calling in sick. Though Duffy said the nation's airspace remains safe, he noted that some air traffic control facilities were experiencing an increase in sick calls — with some missing as many as 50% of employees on any given day since the shutdown started last week. Duffy warned that understaffed facilities could result in flight delays and cancellations as the Federal Aviation Administration limits capacity through some sectors of the airspace. Duffy said controllers, who are mandatory federal employees, are worried about how to pay their bills while keeping the airspace safe. Thousands of controllers are expected to show up for work during the shutdown. They are not being paid and are set to miss their first paycheck on Oct. 14. "Now, what they think about as they're controlling our airspace is, how am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment? I have a couple kids at home. How do I put food on the table? I'm working six days a week," Duffy said during anews conferenceat Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. "Do I have to take a second job and drive Uber when I'm already exhausted from doing a job that's already stressful to think about how I can make extra money because the government may not provide me a paycheck?" he continued. The FAA said air traffic control staffing issues were affecting flights at several airports, including Newark, New Jersey, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, and Burbank, California.FlightAwarereported that more than 5,000 flights in the U.S. on Oct. 6 have been delayed, including 31% arriving flights at Denver, 21% at Newark, and 18% at Las Vegas. Weather issues are also impacting flights. Is TSA still operating?What air travelers need to know during the shutdown. Ina post on X, California Gov. Gavin Newsom blamed President Donald Trump for the lack of air traffic controllers at the Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles County. "Thanks,@realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15pm to 10pm today because of YOUR government shutdown," the governor wrote in the post on Oct. 6. TheFAAhad warned that the air traffic control tower for the Burbank Airport would be unmanned due to staffing shortages. What to know Monday.Is the federal government still shut down? During the news conference, Duffy said a prolonged shutdown could have longer-term impacts on air traffic controller training, because some of the support staff at the agency could be laid off. He added that the Essential Air Service, which brings flights to underserved rural communities, will run out funding on Oct. 12 if the shutdown continues. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not oversee the TSA, which is under the Department of Homeland Security, but that agency is also preparing for issues if the shutdown drags on. Industry experts previously warned that the shutdown could potentially cause widespread travel disruptions, from airport security slowdowns to delays in passport processing,NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1. Industry groups had also urged lawmakers to avoid the shutdown, warning that the travel sector was already sensitive to staffing challenges and seasonal demand could be hit hard. People wait in line to enter the Federal Building in Los Angeles, California on October 1, 2025, where services are experiencing significant disruptions due to the federal government shutdown, as essential workers continue working without pay and non-essential federal workers are furloughed.With the government out of money after President Donald Trump and lawmakers failed to agree on a deal to keep the lights on, many federal departments and agencies have been closed since midnight. See what remains open and what has closed. National Air Traffic Controllers Association warned during the Oct. 6 news conference that "participating in a job action could result in removal from federal service" and is illegal. "It is more important than ever that we rise to the occasion and continue delivering the consistent, high-level of public service we provide every day," the union told members. "We cannot stress enough that it is essential to avoid any actions that could reflect poorly on you, our union, or our professions." Contributing: Colleen Wilson and Manahil Ahmad, NorthJersey.com; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Sean Duffy says shutdown adds stress on air traffic controllers
