An air traffic control tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. [Shutterstock]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA has seen an increase in air traffic controller sick calls due to the government shutdown, as controllers work without pay and face significant financial strain.
While the National Airspace System remains safe, with the FAA reducing air traffic flow when necessary, the increased absences are causing flight delays.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the financial stress on controllers and blamed Democrats for the shutdown, noting potential long-term impacts on new controller training.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday that the FAA has seen an increase in air traffic controller sick calls as the government shutdown continues.
Speaking during a press conference in Newark, New Jersey, Duffy said the agency is tracking absenteeism at several facilities but stressed that the National Airspace System remains safe.
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Ryan is Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group, overseeing a portfolio that includes FLYING, AirlineGeeks, AVweb, Plane + Pilot, KITPLANES, and AircraftForSale.com. He founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has more than a decade of experience across aviation media, airport operations, airline workforce planning, and Part 135 regulatory compliance. His experience ranges from time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing aviation industry executives. Ryan holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and is an adjunct instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
