Duffy warns of serious wait times at airports as Trump admin searches for ways to pay ATC

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Monday warned travelers that there could be further disruptions in air travel as the government shutdown continues, because more air traffic controllers are frustrated with the shutdown.

Airports and airlines nationwide have already been complaining about staffing shortages and delayed flights because of the shutdown, including airports in California, Colorado and New Jersey. 

Duffy told Fox News' Fox & Friends that air traffic controllers, who are required to work during a government shutdown despite not getting paid, are among those who are searching for alternative ways to earn cash while the shutdown drags on.

"They got a partial paycheck a week ago Tuesday. Their next paycheck comes a week from Tuesday. In that paycheck there will be no dollars. They don't get paid," Duffy said. "We have heard they are taking Uber jobs. They are doing DoorDash, they are [finding] ways to keep their families afloat."

Duffy warned that the number of air traffic controllers, which is already facing a shortage, who call in sick could spike before the next pay day. He also warned that some workers might use the shutdown to leave government service.

"I think that would be difficult for the traveling public," he said. "What we could see is a number of workers decide to exit the government and go somewhere else." 

Sources have told Politico that the Trump administration is currently looking for a way to pay the air traffic controllers through the shutdown, but did not provide details on the search. However, they will receive backpay when the government eventually reopens. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.