NATCA Candidates Slam Duffy’s Comments on Controller Sick Calls

The Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary has attributed recent disruptions impacting air travel within the Northeastern United States to two primary factors. These include significant levels of controller absenteeism alongside adverse weather conditions. The DOT's assessment indicates that these combined elements contributed substantially to widespread flight delays and cancellations. Specifically, the agency cited concerns regarding staffing shortages among air traffic controllers as a key element driving the operational challenges. Officials have not yet provided specific numbers detailing the extent of controller absences or the impact of the weather events.