Air travelers are bracing for more cancellations and delays this week. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is cutting flights across 40 busy U.S. airports, affecting travel plans even if the government shutdown is resolved.
Over the weekend, airlines canceled about 5,500 flights, and on Monday alone, over 2,100 more were scrapped. The ongoing issue is linked to a shortage of air traffic controllers. Many controllers, who haven’t received pay for over a month, have begun to skip work, adding to the delays.
President Donald Trump recently urged controllers on social media to return to work and suggested bonuses for those who stay. The head of the controllers’ union, however, argued that they are being used as “political pawns” amid the shutdown crisis.
Delays are also being fueled by inclement winter weather. For instance, travelers at Chicago O’Hare experienced wait times of up to four hours on Monday. The FAA expects to see disruptions in other cities too, like Philadelphia and Nashville, due to continued staff shortages.
As the Senate moves closer to ending the shutdown, the FAA warns that flight restrictions will stay in place until safety metrics improve. Percentages of cut flights will increase, jumping from 4% to 10% by the end of the week, meaning more travelers could be affected.
The impact on passengers has been significant. Todd Walker, for example, lost his flight from San Francisco to Washington and missed his mother’s 80th birthday. Statistics indicate that about 10% of flights were canceled nationwide on Sunday, marking one of the worst cancellation days in nearly two years, according to research from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Traveler frustrations are mounting. Many people are voicing their disappointment on social media, sharing their experiences and frustrations over the disruptions. This reflects a growing trend where social platforms become a space for public outrage regarding travel issues.
Controllers’ working conditions are increasingly challenging. Many are juggling second jobs to make ends meet, with reports that some are even selling plasma for extra cash. The pressure is real, and the stress of the job has led to an increase in fatigue-related issues.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, warns that these conditions are harming safety. “This is the erosion of the safety margin the flying public never sees, but America relies on it every single day,” he noted.
With the government shutdown ongoing, many controllers are facing tough financial decisions. Amy Lark, a controller in Virginia, shared that discussions about finances have become routine at home. “My kids asked me how long we could stay in our house,” she said, emphasizing the emotional burden on families.
The shortage of controllers has been a long-standing issue. The government was already working to boost hiring and improve training before the shutdown. Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that if the situation doesn’t improve, air travel could slow significantly by Thanksgiving.
For further details about ongoing impacts on air travel and potential recovery solutions, you can check reports from trusted sources like the FAA and the Associated Press.
The future remains uncertain, but both travelers and air traffic controllers continue to hope for a quick resolution.
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