FAA Warns of Airspace Closures, ‘Mass Chaos’ if Shutdown Persists

WASHINGTON (VINnews) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Tuesday that “some” American airspace may need to be closed if the ongoing government shutdown continues, citing severe shortages of air traffic controllers and other critical staff at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Speaking to reporters at the Department of Transportation, Duffy said the FAA is already operating with reduced personnel and that further attrition could force drastic measures.

“If air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck, you will see mass chaos,” Duffy said. “That means mass flight delays and mass cancellations across the United States.”

The shutdown, now in its 35th day, has left thousands of FAA employees—including safety inspectors, technicians and controllers—working without pay. Duffy emphasized that while essential personnel remain on duty, morale and staffing levels are deteriorating rapidly.

The secretary declined to specify which airspace sectors might close but said decisions would prioritize public safety. Major hubs and high-traffic corridors are among the most vulnerable, according to sources familiar with contingency planning.

Airlines for America, the trade group representing major U.S. carriers, issued a statement urging Congress to end the impasse, warning that prolonged disruptions could cost the industry billions and strand millions of passengers.

White House and congressional leaders remained deadlocked Tuesday over funding disputes, with no breakthrough in sight.

The FAA has not commented on specific closure plans but confirmed it is “monitoring staffing levels in real time” and working to minimize impacts to the national airspace system.