Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Tuesday that ongoing government shutdown conditions could result in widespread flight delays and airspace closures across the United States.
Americans could see “mass chaos” in the weeks ahead as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers continued working without pay on the 35th day of the government shutdown, Duffy said during a press conference Tuesday.
Administration officials and industry leaders cautioned that the crisis could escalate throughout November, leading to what Duffy called a potential “disaster” for travelers and the airline industry.
Airports across the country have already seen delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages as the shutdown continues.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to come.