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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 64730, member: 636"]
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Monday that the Essential Air Service program will exhaust its funds by Sunday if the government shutdown persists. The federal subsidy helps commercial airlines maintain flights to smaller airports that might otherwise lose connections. Duffy warned that approximately 175 communities nationwide depend on this service, with Alaska hosting 65 eligible locations.

Air traffic controllers have started calling in sick at higher rates, raising concerns about operational safety. Denver International Airport reported delays of roughly 40 minutes on Monday afternoon, while Newark Liberty International Airport experienced nearly hour-long delays due to staffing shortages. Duffy emphasized that controllers face mounting financial stress while working without pay, though most will receive back pay once the shutdown concludes.

The 2019 shutdown ended after 35 days when similar controller absences caused widespread airport disruptions. Union officials released a video on Sunday reminding controllers that walkouts remain illegal, but Duffy acknowledged the agency might need to reduce air traffic flow if absences continue.
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