Transportation Secretary Warns Controllers Over Early Absences During Shutdown

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday Nov. 11 that air traffic controllers who stopped showing up for work before missing their first paycheck during the government shutdown could face disciplinary action. Speaking at a news conference at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Duffy said his department is reviewing attendance data and may take action against those who “systemically weren’t doing their job.”

“My concern is for those air traffic controllers who, before they missed a paycheck and while the shutdown was still early, decided on a continual basis not to show up for work,” Duffy said. “They didn’t know how long the shutdown would last, they hadn’t missed a pay period, and they didn’t come to work.”

Air traffic controllers received a partial paycheck in mid-October for hours worked prior to the shutdown but missed their first full paycheck on October 28. Since then, more than 7,000 U.S. flights have been canceled and tens of thousands delayed, as staffing shortages have forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce flight operations by up to 10% at 40 major airports nationwide.

Duffy: “We Will Take Action If Necessary”

While emphasizing that his goal is to rebuild the workforce, Duffy said the Department of Transportation (DOT) would not ignore cases of deliberate absenteeism. “We have to look at the data,” he said. “I’m trying to bring more air traffic controllers in, not take them out. But if we have controllers who systemically weren’t doing their job, we will take action.”

The transportation secretary did not specify what disciplinary measures might be imposed, but he indicated that the department would investigate absences that began before the first missed paycheck. Duffy also raised concerns about the “dedication” and “patriotism” of those who called out early, saying that the department will evaluate whether their actions violated professional obligations during the crisis.

The DOT press office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Trump and Duffy Align on Accountability

Duffy’s remarks echoed comments made a day earlier by President Donald Trump, who said air traffic controllers who took time off during the shutdown would be “docked.” Writing on Truth Social, Trump criticized those who “did nothing but complain and took time off,” while praising controllers who continued to work without pay.

“For those that did nothing but complain and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid in full shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU,” Trump posted. In contrast, he proposed a $10,000 bonus for controllers who remained on duty throughout the shutdown.

Staffing Shortages and Strained Operations

The U.S. aviation system entered the shutdown already short thousands of controllers. The FAA requires controllers to be between 31 and 56 years old and complete roughly three years of intensive training before qualifying for full certification. The current shutdown has worsened the shortage as more controllers call in sick or take on second jobs to make ends meet.

“Virtually none of them can miss two paychecks,” Duffy said in earlier remarks Sunday, warning that many controllers are seeking temporary work elsewhere. “We’re seeing fatigue and stress as those still working are covering extra shifts under enormous pressure.”

Potential Long-Term Impacts

The shortage has forced the FAA to order airlines to cut flight capacity at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The resulting schedule reductions have caused more than 7,000 cancellations between Friday and Monday, with disruptions expected to continue through mid-November if the shutdown persists.

Duffy warned that if Congress does not reach a funding agreement soon, Americans should prepare for major travel delays during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period. “If the shutdown continues, we’ll have very few controllers coming to work,” he said. “That means only a handful of flights taking off and landing while thousands more are grounded.”

As the shutdown drags on, Duffy’s warning underscores the growing tension between ensuring accountability for federal employees and maintaining enough staffing to keep the nation’s airspace safe and operational.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, cnn.com