UPDATE: The House of Representatives is set to vote this afternoon on a crucial funding bill aimed at ending the government shutdown that has already begun affecting air travel nationwide. As lawmakers engage in urgent discussions, travelers are experiencing significant disruptions at major airports, with reported flight cancellations adding to the growing chaos.
Earlier today, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Airport each experienced a staggering 4% cancellation rate, while John F. Kennedy Airport reported 2%. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed that while commercial aviation has mostly continued over the past two days, the situation is precarious, with a notable drop in staffing triggers from 81 on Saturday to just four on Tuesday.
The looming threat of further cancellations increases as we head into the weekend. Duffy warned that airlines may cease operations entirely if a resolution is not reached, stating, “I think we would see that significant disruption coming this next weekend, maybe as early as Friday.” He emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “If this doesn’t open, you might have airlines that say, ‘We’re going to ground our planes. We’re not going to fly anymore.'”
Additionally, nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits are left in limbo as federal workers go without pay. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently mandates a 6% reduction in air traffic, which is expected to rise to 10% on Friday.
As the clock ticks down, Duffy assured that air traffic controllers would receive payment within 24 to 48 hours of the government reopening and would be back to normal within a week. However, he cautioned that even after the shutdown ends, it may take days for flight operations to stabilize.
Officials are closely monitoring the impact of the shutdown on air travel, with the Department of Transportation investigating controllers who failed to report for duty. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to stay tuned for updates as the House prepares for its pivotal vote.
The urgency of today’s developments cannot be overstated— travelers and federal employees alike are anxiously awaiting the outcome of this vote. As we approach a potential travel crisis this weekend, the question looms: will lawmakers act swiftly enough to prevent further chaos at our airports?
