US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has threatened to fire air traffic controllers who are calling in sick while working without pay, as the ongoing government shutdown causes widespread flight delays and cancellations across the country.
In an interview with Fox Business News, Duffy described the absent controllers as “problem children,” accusing them of causing over half of all national flight delays. He praised the majority who continue to work unpaid, noting that only about 10% of controllers were refusing to report for duty.
“If we have some of our staff that aren’t dedicated like we need, we’re going to let them go,” Duffy said, warning that continued absenteeism could lead to terminations.
The shutdown, now entering its second week, has left thousands of federal employees working without pay as lawmakers remain deadlocked over budget negotiations.
Massive Flight Delays and Mounting Frustration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported rising absenteeism among air traffic controllers, forcing airports to reroute or cancel flights. On Thursday night, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey reported average delays of 87 minutes, with nearby airports stepping in to manage overflow traffic.
Duffy said the small number of absentees were causing a “massive disruption,” straining the aviation system at a critical time.
Union leaders, however, have rejected claims of organized protest. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), told multiple outlets that the absences were not coordinated. Instead, he said, many controllers were under severe stress from working long hours without pay.
Duffy and Trump Signal Tougher Stance on Pay
President Donald Trump has suggested that some federal workers might not receive back pay once the government reopens — especially those not reporting for work. Air traffic controllers, however, are classified as essential workers, legally required to perform their duties even during funding lapses.
“When you come to work you get paid. If you don’t come to work, you don’t get paid,” Duffy stated bluntly.
This tough rhetoric has drawn criticism from labor advocates, who argue that many workers cannot afford transportation or childcare costs without their regular salaries.
Shutdown Ripple Effects Deepen Nationwide
The shutdown’s impact is rippling far beyond airports. The Smithsonian Institution and National Zoo announced closures as funds run dry, while military personnel may miss upcoming paychecks if Congress fails to pass a budget.
The Senate once again failed to reach an agreement Thursday, with Republicans pushing a “clean” funding bill and Democrats demanding provisions for healthcare and Medicaid.
Meanwhile, a video by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, blaming Democrats for the shutdown, is being played in major US airports, adding to passenger frustration.
“Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted,” Noem said in the recording.
Travelers Brace for Ongoing Turmoil
As gridlock in Washington continues, travellers across the United States face mounting delays and uncertainty. Industry analysts warn that prolonged absenteeism could compromise aviation safety and deepen economic losses in the transport sector.
With tensions rising and no budget breakthrough in sight, the standoff between federal employees, lawmakers, and the administration shows no signs of easing — leaving America’s skies increasingly strained by political turbulence.
