Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the growing crisis, telling Fox News:
“There has already been an uptick in air traffic controllers calling out sick at a few locations. They’re concerned — if they don’t get their paychecks, how do they pay their mortgage? How do they put food on the table?”
Controllers and TSA officers are deemed essential federal employees, meaning they must work through the shutdown without pay. If Congress fails to reopen the government before October 28, their next scheduled paychecks will not be issued.
Workers and Unions Sound the Alarm
Union officials warn that the financial and emotional strain on employees is becoming unbearable. Johnny Jones, of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) representing TSA officers, told AP News that members are already struggling to afford rent, childcare, and groceries.
“The employees are assessing what they need to do and how this is all going to work out,” Jones said.
Some airports are stepping in to assist. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is offering meal vouchers and free terminal parking, while Tampa International Airport launched Operation Bald Eagle 2, a program providing food pantries, bus rides, and utility assistance for 11,000 affected federal workers.
The Road Ahead: A Fragile Aviation System
Experts say the shutdown highlights long-standing vulnerabilities in U.S. aviation infrastructure. Years of underfunding have left the FAA critically short of controllers, with retirements outpacing new hires. “When there aren’t enough controllers, the FAA must reduce the number of takeoffs and landings to maintain safety,” Duffy admitted.
