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NATCA Pres. Nick Daniels: We won't see the damage caused by the shutdown until well after it ends

Name: NATCA Pres. Nick Daniels: We won't see the damage caused by the shutdown until well after it ends
Uploaded: 2025-11-05T14:24:52Z
Description: Nick Daniels, National Air Traffic Controllers Association president, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss impact of the ongoing government shutdown on air traffic controllers, whether air travel remains safe, potential impact on the upcoming holiday season, and more.

11/5/2025, 2:24:52 PM

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Economic Summary

The government shutdown is driving mounting flight delays and operational strain because air traffic controllers are unpaid, calling in sick, and resigning, which raises systemic safety and service risks.
Staffing shortfall: the system reportedly has about 10,800 certified controllers versus an expected 14,633, a deficit of roughly 3,800 that materially reduces capacity and resilience.
Even if the shutdown ends quickly, recovery will take weeks as resignations and second jobs reduce available experienced staff; unpaid wages will not be restored immediately.
Holiday travel risks: with Thanksgiving and a busy season approaching, the combination of understaffing and prolonged shutdown could cause significant cancellations and long delays, beyond typical TSA wait concerns.
Local operational impacts include effects on UPS (UPS) and the Louisville hub community, highlighting supply chain and regional service vulnerabilities tied to aviation disruptions.

Bullish

Controllers are continuing to show up and keep the system operating.
Operational slowdown can be used to preserve safety standards and avoid incidents.

Bearish

Widespread controller call-ins and resignations reduce capacity, increasing delays and cancellations.
System is about 3,800 certified controllers short (10,800 vs. 14,633), degrading operations and safety margins.
Prolonged government shutdown will produce lingering staffing and financial problems that take weeks to recover from.
Holiday travel could face severe disruptions, with multi-hour delays and possible mass cancellations.

Bullish tickers

UPS

Bearish tickers

UPS

Bullish

Strong on-the-ground workforce commitment and continuity of essential services may allow UPS to maintain operations despite aviation disruptions.

Bearish

Operational and regional disruptions (e.g., Louisville hub incidents) and broader air-traffic chaos could harm delivery reliability and increase costs.

People mentioned

Nick DanielsDuffy