The ongoing government shutdown is leading to significant disruptions in air travel across the United States. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that travelers could experience chaos at airports, particularly as air traffic controllers begin to miss their paychecks amid the financial crisis. With an estimated 10,000 air traffic controllers working without pay, concerns are mounting over delays and staffing shortages affecting major airports, including Houston and Newark. Critics, including former Trump administration officials, are urging lawmakers to resolve the impasse before it impacts holiday travel plans. As the situation escalates, some air traffic controllers have even resorted to taking secondary jobs to cope with their financial struggles, intensifying the ongoing debate regarding the safety and efficiency of the air traffic control system during this politically charged period.