Trump Team Makes New Promise
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Newsmax on Wednesday that America’s air-travel system is finally stabilizing and should be fully recovered within a week, giving relief to millions preparing for Thanksgiving travel.
For weeks, travelers have faced massive delays, widespread cancellations, and overcrowded airports after the federal shutdown caused staffing shortages across key air-traffic control facilities. The result: one of the most disruptive periods for air travel in years.
Duffy explained that the shutdown’s impact peaked when more than 2,700 flights were canceled and over 10,000 delayed in a single day, forcing the FAA to reduce flights at 40 major airports by up to 10%.
“Anyone who traveled during that time understands how severe it became,” Duffy said. “But conditions are improving quickly.”
Back Pay Arriving Within 48 Hours to Restore Staffing
With the government now reopened under President Donald Trump, Duffy confirmed that air-traffic controllers will receive 70% of their back pay within 24–48 hours. He said this immediate relief will help stabilize staffing and bring the system back to normal before the holiday rush.
“Once we’re fully operational, it should take about a week to return to normal — right before Thanksgiving travel ramps up,” he said.
Duffy Praises Trump’s Plan to Reward Patriots Who Worked Through the Shutdown
Duffy also highlighted President Trump’s support for a plan to reward air-traffic controllers who worked every scheduled day during the shutdown, despite missing paychecks.
“These men and women kept America moving,” Duffy said. “They’re patriots. For those who stayed on the job, we want to give them a $10,000 reward. I’m glad the president pushed that idea, and we’re going to make it happen.”
He noted that many controllers who missed work weren’t acting irresponsibly — they simply couldn’t afford fuel, childcare, or basic expenses without pay. But those who kept reporting for duty, he said, deserve immediate recognition.
“We’re going to secure the resources to reward these outstanding controllers,” Duffy said.
