Newark, New Jersey — As the government shutdown stretches into its sixth day, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy met with air traffic controllers in New Jersey to hear firsthand about the growing strain on essential federal workers. These employees, classified as essential personnel, are required to work without pay to keep the nation’s airspace safe, but many are facing mounting financial pressures.
During his visit, Duffy met with air traffic controllers stationed at Newark Liberty International Airport, where he listened to their concerns about going unpaid and the stress of managing critical responsibilities while worrying about their personal finances. The secretary expressed deep concern for their well-being, noting that these men and women continue to perform one of the most demanding jobs in the country despite the uncertainty caused by the ongoing shutdown.
After meeting with controllers, Duffy spoke with the press at Newark’s Terminal A, calling on lawmakers to reach an agreement that would reopen the government and restore pay for federal employees. He emphasized that the current situation is not sustainable and could soon begin to affect air travel nationwide if workers are forced to prioritize other jobs to cover their living expenses.
“Now what they think about as they’re controlling our airspace is, ‘How am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment? How do I put food on the table?’” Duffy said. “These are people carrying enormous responsibility, and they deserve the stability and respect of a functioning government.”
The secretary noted that many air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have continued to report for duty despite the lack of pay, driven by a strong sense of duty to keep the skies safe. However, he warned that if the shutdown continues, the nation could see growing absenteeism among critical staff. During previous shutdowns, airports across the country experienced major slowdowns and cancellations when controllers and screeners called out, either due to exhaustion or the need to earn income elsewhere.
At Newark Airport, operations have remained steady for now, with no major delays or cancellations reported in the first six days of the shutdown. Still, Duffy cautioned that such stability may not last. “We can’t expect people to continue working indefinitely without pay. They have families, bills, and real financial obligations,” he said.
Duffy also stressed the potential ripple effects on passengers and the broader economy if the shutdown drags on. Prolonged disruptions could affect flight schedules, slow airport security checkpoints, and cause a chain reaction of cancellations that might last for weeks. “Air traffic controllers and TSA staff form the backbone of our transportation network,” Duffy said. “When they are distracted or unable to work, every traveler and every airline is affected.”
Despite the challenges, the secretary praised the professionalism and commitment of the aviation workforce in New Jersey and across the nation. He highlighted their dedication to maintaining public safety under difficult circumstances and reaffirmed the department’s efforts to support them through continued engagement and advocacy.
Local officials at Newark Airport echoed the secretary’s call for swift resolution, noting that every day of the shutdown adds stress not just for federal employees, but also for passengers who depend on smooth air travel. The airport remains one of the busiest in the country, handling thousands of flights daily, and even minor staffing shortages could quickly lead to cascading disruptions.
As the shutdown continues, the situation serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected the nation’s transportation system is with federal funding and workforce stability. For now, controllers and TSA agents continue to show up, committed to their mission of keeping air travelers safe, but their patience and financial resilience are being tested.
Duffy concluded his visit by urging bipartisan cooperation in Washington, saying, “This isn’t about politics. It’s about the people who keep our country moving. Every day this shutdown continues, we risk more than just inconvenience — we risk the safety and security of our national airspace.”
