Monday evening flights into multiple major cities were delayed as the government shutdown continued, just hours after the Department of Transportation (DOT) warned that the funding halt has led to stressed-out air traffic controllers calling out sick as they wait to get paid again.

“This shutdown has put way more stress on our controllers,” Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy said during a press conference at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport.

“When they come to work, I want them to think about the departures and arrivals of airplanes. I want to make sure they keep Americans safe and airplanes safe,” he continued, explaining that he has heard air traffic controllers say they are concerned with affording basic necessities and are even considering picking up side-gigs like

See Full Page