Duffy Warns Unpaid Controllers Facing Firing Amid Delays | JQJO

Amid a federal shutdown, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned air traffic controllers who call in sick while unpaid could be fired, saying the small share skipping shifts is causing outsized flight delays. He told Fox Business more than 90% are reporting to work, yet no-shows account for over half of this week’s disruptions, with the worst at Burbank and Nashville and delays also in Newark, Chicago, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The FAA’s shortage persists as Duffy pushes hiring. The controllers’ union urged members to keep working, even as unpaid bills heighten stress.