Transport Secretary Sean Duffy explains why international flights will not be affected by the chaotic closures. (Credit: FBN)
The longest government shutdown in US history is exacerbating an already critical situation at control towers across the nation, a retired air traffic controller says.
While the management of the Federal Aviation Administration said that it will reduce air traffic by 10% in all 40 high markets to maintain safety in the twenty-two, it says that the movement is like a band-aid to prevent a band-aid to prevent meltdown.
“It doesn’t solve the problem, it just prevents a complete reduction,” said Abraham, who said the workforce has been understaffed for decades.
Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers, which means they are required to continue working even if the government does not support regular operations. (Bill Clark / CQ-Roll call Inc Via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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“They work a lot. They are tired,” said Abraham.
Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers, which means they are required to continue working even if the government does not support regular operations. They have now gone over a month without payment.
People walk through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on November 7, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images / Getty Images)
Pressure and fatigue have increased because administrators are already working long hours with a shortage of workers, and now they are worried about debts and financial survival, which means that some may protest, but because they are worried, but because they are facing financial difficulties.
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“If you don’t sleep really well, I won’t be able to work the next day,” she said. “It’s easy because you can’t send it to it. It can’t work in that job. You can’t send it … Every day should be a ‘B’ Day.”
People walk through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on November 07, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images / Getty Images)
And without support staff, it creates an “uncontrollable situation,” Abraham said.
More than 3.2 million airline passengers have been affected by delays or cancellations attributed to staff shortages and the dangers of air traffic control since the closure began on Oct.
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These problems have become so important that the airplanes of Barry Biffle are very large.
People walk through security at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on November 07, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images / Getty Images)
“If you’re flying on Friday or in the next 10 days, and you need to be there or don’t want to be bored, I highly recommend booking a backup ticket with another carrier,” Biffle wrote.
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Reuters contributed to this report.
