Former Republican New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu on Sunday made a plea to air traffic controllers to keep showing up to work amid the government shutdown, saying that the national airspace “really needs” them. .
Sununu, who is now the CEO of Airlines for America, appeared on “Fox News Live” to discuss how the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 40th day, has prompted flight delays and cancellations nationwide.
“If you’re a controller and you’re listening, we need you at work,” he said, adding that “hopefully” Congress “does what they need to do” to get the air traffic controllers paid.
Sununu warned that air travel cancellations and delays may get “exponentially worse” as the week goes on, though encouraged Americans not to cancel their Thanksgiving travel plans.
“Keep your plans, keep booking, by all means,” he said. “I do believe this is going to get resolved before Thanksgiving.”
Sununu added: “Believe it or not, even Capitol Hill, I believe, is listening.”
The former governor further urged lawmakers of both parties to get the government open and “say yes at the next vote.”
“Look at what’s happening to your constituents,” he said. “Look at what’s happening to the American public.”