US Air Travel Could 'Slow to a Trickle' as Shutdown Bites
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed as federal government shutdown disrupts travel plans during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Air travel in the United States could soon experience significant disruptions, with warnings that it may slow down to a near-standstill if the ongoing federal government shutdown persists.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that the number of flights affected by cancellations or delays is expected to increase, particularly as Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday later this month.
According to FlightAware, a flight tracking platform, over 1,330 domestic and international flights were canceled on Sunday morning alone.
Major airports such as those in the New York City area, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport have been particularly hard hit by these disruptions.
The shutdown, which has already entered its 40th day, has led to a reduction in flights as the Trump administration seeks to ease strain on air traffic controllers who are working without pay.
Duffy highlighted that due to the limited number of air traffic controllers reporting for duty, flight operations will be severely curtailed, leading to significant travel disruptions and frustration among passengers.
The impasse between Democrats and Republicans over funding continues to hinder a resolution to the shutdown.
Both sides have been at odds over various issues, including healthcare subsidies, which remain a major point of contention in negotiations.
Senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, criticized the lack of willingness from Republicans to compromise, stating that millions of Americans could lose their health coverage and face increased premium rates if an agreement is not reached.
Efforts to find a resolution to the shutdown have been met with resistance, leading to calls for a more extended period of negotiation to address the issue comprehensively.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it remains uncertain how this ongoing political standoff will affect air travel plans for many Americans.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that the number of flights affected by cancellations or delays is expected to increase, particularly as Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday later this month.
According to FlightAware, a flight tracking platform, over 1,330 domestic and international flights were canceled on Sunday morning alone.
Major airports such as those in the New York City area, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport have been particularly hard hit by these disruptions.
The shutdown, which has already entered its 40th day, has led to a reduction in flights as the Trump administration seeks to ease strain on air traffic controllers who are working without pay.
Duffy highlighted that due to the limited number of air traffic controllers reporting for duty, flight operations will be severely curtailed, leading to significant travel disruptions and frustration among passengers.
The impasse between Democrats and Republicans over funding continues to hinder a resolution to the shutdown.
Both sides have been at odds over various issues, including healthcare subsidies, which remain a major point of contention in negotiations.
Senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, criticized the lack of willingness from Republicans to compromise, stating that millions of Americans could lose their health coverage and face increased premium rates if an agreement is not reached.
Efforts to find a resolution to the shutdown have been met with resistance, leading to calls for a more extended period of negotiation to address the issue comprehensively.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it remains uncertain how this ongoing political standoff will affect air travel plans for many Americans.