'Massive' disruption to air travel possible if shutdown drags on, DOT Sec. Duffy warns at O'Hare

CHICAGO (WLS) -- In a warning ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says there could be a "massive" disruption to air travel if the government shutdown drags on.

The government's flight cuts increased to 6% at the nation's busiest airports on Tuesday. They are set to rise to 10% Friday.

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"I think we would see that significant disruption coming this next weekend, maybe as early as Friday, and I think you're going to have airlines that make serious calculations about whether they continue to fly," Duffy said.

Duffy appeared at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on the same day the Federal Aviation Administration increased its requirement of airlines to cut 6% of all domestic flights. The reduction was triggered by a shortage of air traffic controllers around the country. On Tuesday, however, Duffy said, there were only four air traffic control staffing triggers nationwide compared to 81 on Saturday.

"I think our air traffic controllers are seeing an end to the shutdown and feel more hopeful, and they're coming into their facility," Duffy said.

The secretary says if the funding bill passes the House, air traffic controllers will get 70% of their backpay paid out in 24 to 48 hours, with the remaining 30% coming a week later.

"It's go time for us. We want the shutdown to be over. We want our controllers back on the boards, doing what they do best," Duffy said.

But with the FAA 2,000 controllers short and the shutdown accelerating the pace of retirements, it could take days or weeks for flight capacity to return to normal.

"We are going to look at the data and make the best decisions possible to keep the traveling public safe," Duffy said.

Passengers ABC7 spoke to shared their thanks for the controllers.

"We certainly appreciate them working without being paid. I mean, that's a very big thing. I hope they know that we appreciate it," said Mary Marks, who was traveling from New Jersey.

Flight cancellations on Tuesday were a fraction of what they have been since Saturday.

"Surprisingly, it was pretty smooth. I was really expecting for the worst, but it was a fairly easy run," said O'Hare traveler Erika Cohane.

As of 5:27 p.m. Tuesday, 132 flights have been canceled at O'Hare with delays averaging less than 15 minutes, according to the city's FlyChicago website.

At Chicago Midway International Airport, there have been 23 cancellations with delays averaging less than 15 minutes.

Still, the impact of the government shutdown hangs like a dark cloud for many travelers.

"I was so anxious that I left the house without luggage," said Grace Matos, who was traveling to Nebraska.

Matos said she is flying for an important work trip, but regardless of what happens with the shutdown this week, she will hit the road for Thanksgiving.

"A 16-hour road trip, I'm not a fan of, but it sounds better than playing Russian roulette with my life at the moment," Matos said.

Darragh Hallina told ABC7 that he hopes the third time is a charm; he's been trying fly to New York City since Sunday.

"On Sunday, we went to the airport at 8 a.m. Our flight was canceled on the way to the airport. We were stuck at the airport for five to six hours. So, we tried to get a new flight with the same company but that one got cancelled as well," Hallina said.

Arijit Mishra had two flights canceled on Sunday and is worried about his holiday travel plans.

"Optimistically, it should be resolved by Thanksgiving, but I'm expecting issues through end of December," said O'Hare passenger Mishra.