U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Friday, October 24, 2025, that he anticipates a significant increase in flight delays. This comes as the federal government shutdown reaches its 24th day, with air traffic controllers on the verge of missing their first paychecks.
Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are currently working without pay due to the ongoing shutdown. These essential personnel are expected to miss their first full paychecks this coming Tuesday.
During an appearance on Fox News’ “America Reports,” Secretary Duffy warned, “I think as we get closer to Tuesday and then after, you’re going to see far more disruption.”
The impact on air safety has been under close scrutiny, with observers looking for signs of escalating delays or cancellations. Such disruptions could intensify public pressure on lawmakers to resolve the political stalemate.
At a Philadelphia Airport press conference, Mr. Duffy also revealed that the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) air traffic controller academy will run out of funds to pay students within weeks. Already, some students have chosen to withdraw or postpone their enrollment.
Airlines, in response, are preparing for further widespread disruptions.
Republicans, including Secretary Duffy, attribute the government’s closure to Democrats’ refusal to reopen it. Conversely, Democrats argue that President Donald Trump and the Republican party are responsible for the impasse, refusing to negotiate on health care subsidies set to expire by year-end.
Democratic Representative Rick Larsen urged Republicans to engage in negotiations, stating, “Controllers should never have to wonder where they will find money to pay their mortgage or put food on the table.”
National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels emphasized the immense stress controllers are facing, with some resorting to second jobs to cover their living expenses.
Daniels asserted that the shutdown “leads to an unnecessary distraction, and they cannot be 100% focused on their jobs, which makes this system less safe.” He concluded with a direct plea: “We didn’t start a shutdown. We don’t end the shutdown — our elected officials do. And our message is simple — end the shutdown today.”
The Transportation Department reported that on Thursday, about 6.6% of flight delays were caused by air traffic controller absences. While this is slightly above the usual 5%, it’s significantly lower than the 53% recorded on earlier shutdown days.
Earlier that Thursday, the FAA confirmed that air traffic control staffing shortages led to travel delays at major airports in New York, Washington, Newark, and Houston.
During a previous 35-day shutdown in 2019, an increase in absences among controllers and TSA officers, combined with missed paychecks, resulted in extended wait times at airport checkpoints. This forced authorities to implement air traffic slowdowns in key hubs like New York and Washington.
Even before the current shutdown, the FAA was already short by approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers from its target staffing levels, with many already working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks.