Flight delays and cancellations have significantly impacted air travel in the U.S. for a third consecutive day, attributed to ongoing government shutdown concerns. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that air traffic could be significantly reduced if the shutdown persists. On Sunday morning, approximately 1,400 flights were canceled and 2,700 were delayed, with Newark, New Jersey reporting the longest average delays, exceeding two hours.
In light of the situation, there are indications that lawmakers are working towards a compromise to resolve the government funding dispute. The Senate held a rare weekend session on Sunday to discuss potential resolutions.
Duffy expressed concern that the continuation of the shutdown could further exacerbate travel issues. He mentioned that travelers, particularly those returning for the Thanksgiving holiday later this month, may face challenges in securing flights if the situation does not improve. He stated that flight availability could be drastically limited due to the ongoing funding impasse.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced reductions in air travel capacity, which will decrease by up to 6% this weekend and 10% the following weekend at 40 major airports in the U.S. Although international flights are not directly affected, airlines may still choose to cancel some of these routes. Reports indicate that unpaid air traffic controllers may be unable to perform their duties, contributing to reduced air traffic capacity. Duffy mentioned that while military air traffic controllers could assist, they are not certified to operate at civilian airports.
As of now, hundreds of thousands of federal employees remain unpaid due to the government shutdown, which has entered its 40th day. The deadlock persists, as both parties continue to assign blame for the situation. Democrats are advocating for the inclusion of health insurance subsidies, while Republicans seek funding without additional conditions. President Trump recently suggested direct financial support for individuals to purchase health insurance. Republican senators are in discussions regarding a potential compromise that could advance soon.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c993lpxjx1po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss