Delta Air Lines has called on Congress to approve a clean continuing resolution to halt the ongoing government shutdown, emphasizing the urgent need to pay air traffic controllers. The airline’s appeal comes as the shutdown enters its fourth week, leaving essential workers without regular 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 stated in a release. The airline’s CEO, Ed Bastian, previously warned that extended delays could disrupt operations.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, highlighted worsening risks, noting a staffing shortage of 3,800 controllers below federal targets. “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, face financial strain despite being required to work during the shutdown. The National Pulse reported 2,800 flight delays and 109 cancellations nationwide due to staffing gaps. Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office estimates a four-week shutdown could cost the economy $7 billion, with higher losses if the impasse persists.
