As the U.S. government shutdown drags into its fifth day, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is out front, trying to steady the nerves of frustrated flyers. On Tuesday, November 11, Duffy visited Central Wisconsin Airport and later headed to Chicago's O'Hare, where he warned that disruptions could worsen before they get better. With air traffic controllers unpaid and morale low, the FAA has ramped up flight cuts at 40 major airports, hitting 6% of scheduled flights today and eyeing 10% reductions by Friday.
Numbers tell a grim story: over 1,200 flights canceled nationwide just this morning, plus hundreds more delayed, stranding thousands at hubs like LaGuardia and O'Hare. Airlines from Delta to Southwest are scrambling, and experts say even if Congress ends the shutdown soon—Senate's pushing a bill—the backlog won't vanish overnight. Staffing shortages mean controllers are stretched thin, leading to these mandatory slowdowns that feel more like a chokehold on holiday plans.
Duffy, a former congressman turned cabinet member, stressed the human cost during his stops, noting how families eyeing Thanksgiving trips might face real hurdles. He's juggling safety mandates with the political mess in D.C., but critics wonder if his tough talk will translate to quick fixes. It's a reminder of how federal gridlock ripples right into everyday commutes and vacations.
One can't help but ponder if this shutdown's travel toll will push lawmakers to rethink their standoffs for good.
