Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning that the United States may be forced to close portions of its airspace next week.
“If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos,” Duffy said at a press conference Tuesday. “You will see mass flight delays. You’ll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace because we just cannot manage it, because we don’t have the air traffic controllers.”
Unprecedented Airspace Closure Threat
The potential closure of U.S. airspace represents an extraordinary escalation in the aviation crisis caused by the shutdown that began October 1, 2025. Duffy emphasized that safety concerns would drive any closure decisions: “We will restrict the airspace when we feel it’s not safe.”
In an interview with CNBC Monday, Duffy said: “If we thought that it was unsafe [to travel], we will shut the whole airspace down. We won’t let people travel. We’re not there at this point. It’s just significant delays.”
13,000 Controllers Working Without Pay
Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working unpaid for weeks as the shutdown entered its second month on November 4, 2025. The financial stress is compounding an already demanding job, with controllers facing impossible choices between paying mortgages, car payments, and putting food on the table.
50% of Facilities Face Staffing Shortages
Nearly 50% of all major air traffic control facilities face staffing shortages, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The shutdown has exacerbated a pre-existing controller shortage of 2,000 to 3,000 positions across the national airspace system.
Widespread Flight Disruptions Already Occurring
The aviation system is already experiencing significant disruptions:
- November 3: Newark Liberty International Airport saw 273 flight delays and 5 cancellations
- November 3: Chicago O’Hare reported 225 delayed flights
- November 3: New York JFK experienced 189 delayed flights
- November 2: More than 5,000 flights delayed nationwide, according to the White House
FlightAware data shows delays and cancellations climbing as sick calls among unpaid controllers leave towers and control facilities understaffed.
Control Towers Closing, Airspace Restrictions Imposed
Multiple air traffic control facilities have experienced closures or severe staffing shortages:
- Hollywood Burbank Airport: Control tower temporarily closed October 7, with San Diego facility handling traffic remotely
- Nashville International Airport: Operating with extremely limited staffing, with Memphis TRACON handling some approach traffic
- Philadelphia TRACON, Denver Center, Detroit TRACON, Indianapolis Center, Phoenix Airport, Phoenix TRACON: All issued staffing advisories
“When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations,” the FAA stated.
