✈️ Stuck on the tarmac of US politics? You’re not alone. The government shutdown hasn’t just hit headlines—it’s jammed up airports from coast to coast.
As Democrats and Republicans trade barbs instead of compromises, everyday travelers are paying the price. With no deal in sight, thousands of air traffic controllers are calling in “sick,” leaving towers short-staffed when they should be keeping flights moving.
According to reports, more than 10,000 flights were delayed in a single Monday-Tuesday stretch. In the Los Angeles area, one airport went nearly six hours with zero controllers on duty—an embarrassment that made global headlines.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered controllers to “show up for work” because “you have a job to do.” But demanding action after a slap in the face rarely fixes a broken system.
No crashes have happened yet, but each day without enough controllers inches the system closer to real danger. Trust is the engine that keeps any institution flying, and right now, confidence in US institutions is hitting turbulence.
Until political leaders find common ground, travelers will keep wondering: How long can the system—and their patience—hold up?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
