Duffy Warns of More Flight Cuts If Government Shutdown Drags On

US officials warned that the number of flight cancellations may need to double if the government shutdown drags out and air-traffic controller staffing shortages worsen, potentially escalating travel disruptions as the country heads into one of its busiest travel seasons.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Fox News Friday that regulators will continue to assess the strain on the aviation system and if the data moves in the wrong direction, the current plan to reduce flights by 10% by the end of next week could grow to 15% or even 20%.