Sean Duffy, Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), issued a dire warning today in regards to its long-running shutdown: if Congress does not reach a funding deal soon enough, flights at 40 major airports will be reduced by 10% beginning Friday if Congress does not act soon enough. (Daily Express US +3 Reuters +3 AP News).
The move by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) comes amid mounting concern about its air traffic control and screening systems to remain safe as key workers remain unpaid, Duffy stressed that staff shortages were straining it under unprecedented strain. Reuters | AP | WTAE +3
Staffing emergency and emerging risks.

Air traffic controllers and screening agents at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have been forced to work without pay since the shutdown started, according to The FAA reports as many as 20-40 % of their major control facilities are experiencing significant absenteeism with call outs and sick leaves on the rise.
The Guardian notes this information.
Recently, over 8,000 flights were delayed nationwide because of controller shortages, according to Reuters’ estimates. Duffy issued the following warning in his press briefing:

“Within one week from now… you will see mass chaos: massive flight delays and cancellations due to lack of air traffic controllers. Additionally, certain parts of airspace may close as we can no longer manage them efficiently without having enough air traffic controllers.” KOMO
The FAA’s decision to reduce air traffic by 10 % at 40 “high-volume” markets by 10% is intended to ease controller workload and maintain safety margins during a government shutdown, according to AP News (https://ap.news/135837951). There could be serious ramifications for air travel.

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, planned cuts may result in the cancellation of up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats in the short term.
As many of the affected airports serve major U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Washington D.C. – potentially thousands of travellers could be affected. According to The Guardian:
Airlines and industry groups have voiced their alarm over flight disruption. While flights remain operational at present, prolonged disruption could damage traveller confidence ahead of the peak holiday season. (AP News).
Travellers will experience this with longer wait times, increased delays or cancellations and uncertainty in scheduling. WTAE =+1 has added politics, safety and pressure on Congress.

Duffy’s comments added to Congress’ pressure by outlining operational consequences that go beyond mere inconvenience, drawing their attention to safety rather than budgetary drama. According to Duffy, safety remains top of mind at DOT; “Safety first” remains its mantra but officials acknowledge predictability and reliability are declining rapidly.
The Independent reported on these remarks.
Some aviation experts consider the current scenario unprecedented in modern peacetime U.S. air-travel history, noting that any closure of national airspace due to staffing concerns would represent a dramatic escalation. CBS News. +1
Conclusion
With no end in sight to the shutdown and no resolution imminent, the Department of Transport (DOT) is issuing a warning: the aviation system has entered high-risk territory. Travellers at major airports should prepare for reduced flight capacity, longer delays, or partial airspace restrictions until funding can be restored – Duffy stated “we will slow and stop traffic if we feel we cannot manage it in a way that keeps people safe”.