US Transportation Secretary: US airspace could be closed in case of uncertainty

US airspace could be closed if it is deemed unsafe, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told US media today.  

Duffy said today that the Trump administration will shut down the U.S. air traffic system if it determines that the ongoing federal government shutdown makes travel unsafe.

"If we deem it unsafe, we will close all the airspace. We will not allow people to travel. We are not at that point yet. Right now, it is just significant delays," Duffy told the American media outlet CNBC.

The shutdown has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers to work without pay and has grounded tens of thousands of flights.

Duffy also said he has no plans to lay off air traffic controllers who call in sick, saying they are trying to provide food for their families.

A growing number of air traffic controller absences during the 34-day government shutdown have led to dramatic delays at U.S. airports. Shortages of Transportation Security Administration security officers have led to very long lines at San Diego and Houston airports in recent days. /CNA

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