Government Shutdown Disrupts Air Travel Ahead of Thanksgiving

The ongoing government shutdown is severely disrupting air travel across the United States, affecting millions of travelers as Thanksgiving approaches. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that if the shutdown continues, significant disruptions will persist, predicting chaos during the holiday travel weekend. According to CBS News, airlines are expected to cancel around six percent of flights at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration's order due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. This is an increase from an earlier estimate of four percent, and officials anticipate that cancellations could rise to ten percent by the end of the week.

As of now, more than 1,200 flights were canceled nationwide, with over 2,400 cancellations reported just the day before, according to FlightAware. Duffy indicated that the situation was dire, stating that travelers could experience massive disruptions if the funding bill is not passed soon. For example, he mentioned that just this past weekend saw significant cancellations, with more expected as Thanksgiving approaches.

Airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Newark Liberty International are reporting high numbers of flight cancellations and delays, with travelers describing situations of 'mass chaos' as they navigate changing itineraries. CBS News highlighted the frustration among passengers, with some having to wait over 13 hours without clear information on their flights. Travelers are increasingly turning to alternative transportation options like buses and trains to avoid uncertainty associated with air travel.

On the operational side, the FAA's flight cuts stem from safety concerns, including an increase in runway incursions and complaints from pilots regarding air traffic control. Duffy emphasized that these measures were necessary for safety, stating, 'For anyone to say that we did too much, they are sorely mistaken.' While there has been some improvement in on-time departures, with over 89 percent of flights departing within 15 minutes of their scheduled time on Tuesday, the overall situation remains precarious.

Airline executives are expressing their concerns about the impact of the shutdown on their operations. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby thanked employees for their hard work during this challenging time, while American Airlines' COO called the cancellations 'unacceptable.' He stated that air traffic controllers deserve to be compensated and that a reliable operation is critical for the travel public.

As air traffic control staffing issues continue to plague the system, many controllers are facing financial strain, missing their second paycheck due to the shutdown. Duffy has noted that controllers will receive back pay within 24 to 48 hours following the end of the shutdown, which could alleviate some immediate financial pressures. However, even if a deal to end the shutdown is reached soon, lingering effects on air travel are expected as airlines work to restore normal operations. As Duffy pointed out, the situation remains fluid and will depend heavily on the government’s actions in the coming days.