Air travelers might face more cancellations and delays this week, even if the government shutdown ends. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented deeper cuts, affecting 40 major airports.
Recently, the FAA directed airlines to reduce their flights by 4% at these airports. They cited staffing issues and stress among air traffic controllers as reasons for these cuts. Over the past few days, more than 7,900 flights have already been canceled. The cuts will increase to 6% on Tuesday and 10% by Friday.
On Monday alone, airlines canceled over 2,300 flights, and another 1,000 were scrapped for Tuesday. By early Tuesday morning, there were already over 1,100 cancellations and more than 540 delays, according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company.
The FAA also restricted private flights and business jets at many of these busy airports. Many air traffic controllers have been unpaid for over a month, leading some to call in sick or take second jobs. This has created a trickle-down effect, causing significant flight delays, especially at major hubs like Chicago O’Hare. Weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, may exacerbate these issues.
While the Senate passed a bill to reopen the government, it still needs House approval. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has stated that flight cuts will continue until staffing numbers improve.
Mike Taylor from JD Power notes that the situation is complicated. Many planes are not where they should be, making recovery harder even after restrictions lift.
Personal stories highlight the impact of these disruptions. Todd Walker, for example, missed his mother’s 80th birthday due to a canceled flight. He said, “These delays have real consequences for millions of Americans, and it’s totally avoidable.”
Meanwhile, there are calls for more stringent measures. The group Patriotic Millionaires suggests that all private jets should be grounded during the shutdown. Founder Erica Payne remarked that while everyday travelers face hardships, wealthy individuals continue unhindered.
This marks the second consecutive missed payday for air traffic controllers. After the last government shutdown in 2019, it took over two months for controllers to receive back pay. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, warned that increased fatigue and stress are pushing more controllers to retire or leave the job.
In a controversial statement, former President Donald Trump urged controllers on social media to return to work immediately, offering incentives for those who stayed and suggesting penalties for those who didn’t.
As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that challenges in air travel aren’t just about delayed flights; they also reflect broader issues affecting workers and families across the nation.
For more details on the current state of air travel and government policies, you can check the FAA website.
