« Now what they think about as they’re controlling our airspace is, ‘How am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment? I have a couple kids at home, how do I put food on the table?' » Duffy continued. « ‘I’m working six days a week, so I have to take a second job and drive Uber when I’m already exhausted from doing a job that’s already stressful, to think about how I can make extra money because the government may not provide me a paycheck?' »
Speaking at the same press conference, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association Union President Nick Daniels also called for an end to the shutdown.
« We do not have the luxury of time, » he said. « We do not have time to waste on the unnecessary distractions created by this shutdown. »
« Our message is clear: end the shutdown, » he added.
Airports in Newark did not immediately return requests for comment.
Hollywood Burbank Airport stated in a statement on X that the airport remains open and operational.
« Operations are continuing at Hollywood Burbank Airport, » it said. « Please check with your airline — before arriving at the airport — for updates on possible delays or cancellations. »
Eric Everts, a spokesperson for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, said in a statement that the airport « does not anticipate many visible impacts to operations in the short term due to the federal government shutdown, as most essential workers are required to continue working without pay. »
Everts encouraged passengers to confirm their flight status and arrive early before their flights, especially « during this busy fall break period. »
The Senate again failed to pass legislation Monday night that would reopen the government, and there are no signs of a deal between Democrats and Republicans in the immediate future.
Phil Helsel and Jay Blackman contributed.
