Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on March 15, 2024, that flight reductions could reach as high as 20 percent if the ongoing government shutdown continues. This warning comes as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already implemented a 10 percent reduction in flights due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers.
At an event hosted by Breitbart News in Washington D.C., Duffy explained that if the situation persists and more controllers opt not to work, the reductions could increase significantly. “If this continues, and I have more controllers who decide they can’t come to work… you might see 10 percent would have been a good number, because we might go to 15 percent or 20 percent,” he stated. Later, he clarified to The Hill that this scenario was theoretical and not yet a formal plan.
The FAA’s current measures began with a 4 percent reduction across 40 airports on March 15, with a gradual increase of 2 percent each day until reaching the 10 percent target. Duffy emphasized the importance of safety in air traffic management and indicated that decisions would be made based on real-time data regarding controller availability.
Concerns have arisen regarding the potential political motivations behind these flight reductions. Duffy addressed allegations that the measures aim to pressure Senate Democrats into passing a Republican-proposed stopgap measure to reopen the federal government. He asserted, “This has not been political. We have worked overtime to make sure that we minimize the impact on the American people.”
California Democratic Representative Rick Larsen, who leads the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has called for the FAA to provide Congress with any safety risk assessments related to the flight reductions. In contrast, Representative Greg Stanton of Arizona supported Duffy’s actions, asserting that they were necessary for the safety of the flying public.
Duffy urged the Senate to remain in session, citing the impact of flight disruptions on travelers, including those with urgent needs. He remarked, “There’s people going to funerals. There are people who are trying to get home. They can’t get home. Why are senators going home?” His comments reflect a growing frustration with lawmakers’ absences during critical negotiations.
In a lighter moment during the event, Duffy joked about the suggestion of placing senators on a no-fly list to keep them in Washington. Nonetheless, he maintained the seriousness of the ongoing discussions, indicating that making concessions to reopen the government could be detrimental for the Republican Party.
As the situation develops, Duffy noted that any recovery of air traffic operations will depend on controller availability and the data available post-shutdown. The FAA continues to monitor the situation closely as it affects air travel safety and efficiency.