The nation’s top transportation official on Sunday said a shortage of air traffic controllers likely will mean more worsening flight delays amid the government shutdown.
Speaking on two television network news shows, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said safety remains the government’s top concern as the nation’s airports — including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — experienced periodic delays.
Duffy acknowledged the shortage of controllers has led to flight delays. He said federal authorities would stop air traffic completely if it’s necessary to keep the flying public safe.
“Well, does it become a flight emergency, a safety issue? No, we will stop traffic,” Duffey said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
“So, we’re not going to let that happen. I think the real consequence is, what kind of rolling delays do you have throughout the system, right?” Duffy said. “We’ve seen problems at L.A., in Dallas, in D.C., Boston, Atlanta. And, so, I think it’s only going to get worse.”