Transportation secretary says he doesn’t plan to fire air traffic controllers who don’t show up for work during shutdown

Flight delays are affecting U.S. airports due to a government shutdown that has left air traffic controllers working without pay for weeks. Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing significant delays, impacting other regional airports as well. Major airports in Houston, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami are also reporting numerous delays and some cancellations. Transportation Secretary has stated that these disruptions are likely to worsen the longer controllers go without paychecks. He emphasized that while measures will be taken to ensure safety, including slowing traffic and canceling flights, he does not intend to fire air traffic controllers who do not report to work. The Secretary acknowledged that these workers are struggling to feed their families and need support and paychecks, not termination. This stance contrasts with earlier warnings from the Secretary in October, when he suggested that controllers calling in sick during the s... download the app to read more