Sean Duffy is now U.S. Secretary of Transportation, focusing on airport safety and staffing issues amid recent crashes and delays.
On January 29, 2026, Venezuela's National Assembly passed a bill reforming the oil sector to allow private and foreign companies operational control, reversing decades of state monopoly. The Trump administration eased sanctions on Venezuelan oil, signaling increased US involvement following the January 3 US military capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez supports the reforms amid ongoing political tensions and US pressure.
A severe winter storm caused over 9,000 flight cancellations across the US, with major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth and New York heavily impacted. Airlines face operational disruptions and compensation issues, as authorities expect schedules to normalize by midweek.
The U.S. plans to reopen its embassy in Venezuela, with officials preparing for diplomatic normalization amid ongoing political tensions. The move follows recent efforts to restore relations and includes sending staff to Caracas, while the U.S. considers further measures in the region.
Multiple sources report that Kansas City airport was evacuated today following a credible threat. The terminal was cleared, and flights were held on the taxiway. The FBI is investigating the incident, which caused significant disruption for nearly two hours before operations resumed.
On February 11, 2026, the FAA abruptly closed airspace around El Paso International Airport for 10 days citing "special security reasons," grounding all flights within a 10-nautical-mile radius. Less than 10 hours later, the FAA lifted the restrictions, stating no threat to commercial aviation. The closure was linked to counter-drone operations against Mexican cartel drones near the border.
The FAA lifted a 10-day airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, citing no threat to commercial flights. The temporary restriction was linked to security concerns, possibly related to drone activity, but was abruptly ended without detailed explanation. Flights are now operating normally.
The House rejected the bipartisan ROTOR Act, which aimed to improve aircraft collision prevention through mandatory GPS-based systems. The bill, supported by the Senate and families of crash victims, was blocked by concerns over costs, military security, and Pentagon opposition. The debate highlights systemic safety gaps in U.S. aviation.
The FAA abruptly shut down El Paso International Airport for nearly eight hours, citing security concerns linked to drone activity. The move disrupted flights and stranded travelers, with officials uncertain about the exact cause. The restriction was lifted after safety assurances, but questions remain about the decision process.
U.S. officials shot down a drone over a party balloon, highlighting concerns over Mexican cartel drones used for smuggling and surveillance. Despite warnings, there are no confirmed attacks on U.S. soil. Authorities continue to monitor drone incursions, with tensions rising between the two nations over border security and sovereignty.
In February 2026, the FAA unexpectedly closed airspace over El Paso for 10 days, citing security concerns linked to drone activity. The closure was triggered by a military laser operation targeting what was believed to be a cartel drone, but was later identified as a party balloon. The incident caused widespread disruption and confusion.
Recent use of military-grade laser technology by U.S. border officials near El Paso caused FAA airspace shutdowns and raised safety questions. The incidents highlight inter-agency coordination issues amid escalating drone threats and military technology deployment without full oversight.
As of April 3, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security remains partially unfunded since February 14, causing over 100,000 DHS employees, including TSA workers, to go unpaid. The shutdown has led to severe staffing shortages at airports, with TSA officers resigning and calling out sick, resulting in long security lines and missed flights. President Trump deployed paid ICE agents to assist TSA with crowd control, but congressional deadlock over DHS funding and immigration enforcement reforms continues, prolonging travel disruptions nationwide.
Major US airlines and cargo companies are calling on Congress to pass legislation ensuring TSA officers and other aviation workers are paid during government shutdowns. The ongoing partial shutdown has led to thousands of unpaid workers quitting, causing long security lines and travel disruptions ahead of spring travel peaks.
Travelers at US airports are experiencing hours-long security delays due to a partial government shutdown, with TSA staffing shortages and increased use of private security. Digital tools like CLEAR see surges in interest, but service disruptions persist at several major hubs.
The FAA evacuated Newark Liberty's control tower after a burning smell from an elevator. The disruption lasted less than an hour with no injuries. This follows a recent chemical odor incident at multiple airports and a fatal crash at LaGuardia involving a collision with a fire truck.
A fatal crash at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night involved an Air Canada jet colliding with a fire truck on the runway. Two pilots died, and dozens were injured. The incident followed staffing and communication issues in the control tower during a night shift with reduced controllers. The NTSB is investigating.
In March 2026, President Trump ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to over a dozen major U.S. airports to assist with severe TSA staffing shortages caused by a Department of Homeland Security funding impasse. The deployment aimed to ease long security lines but sparked controversy over ICE's role and effectiveness, highlighted by a forceful arrest at San Francisco International Airport.
A Bombardier CRJ-900 arriving from Montreal collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport, killing the pilots and injuring over 40. The crash occurred during landing after the fire truck responded to another incident. Investigations are ongoing, and the airport remains closed.
A crash at LaGuardia Airport on March 22, involving an Air Canada jet and a fire truck, resulted in two pilot deaths. Investigations focus on staffing, control tower procedures, and ground vehicle movements amid ongoing safety reviews.
The US Department of Transportation has identified issues with non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses, prompting investigations into states' licensing practices. Federal officials warn that continued non-compliance could lead to significant funding losses, as they seek to remove unqualified foreign drivers from US roads. The effort intensifies following recent fatal crashes involving immigrant truckers.