Part 3/11:
With over 13,000 controllers working unpaid owing to the shutdown, the ripple effect became evident as airports like Hollywood Burbank faced extended periods without air traffic control. The consequences included dozens of delays, prompting concern from officials and travelers alike. Duffy emphasizes that safety remains paramount, even if it means slowing traffic or shutting down operations temporarily to prevent accidents.
His concerns extend to the future if the shutdown persists, warning that more delays are inevitable if staffing issues aren’t addressed. Duffy also criticizes political disagreements, particularly blaming Senate Democrats for blocking resolutions that could reopen the government and stabilize the staffing crisis.