UPDATE: As the government shutdown enters its 38th day, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that one in five flights could face cancellation next week if the impasse continues. This urgent situation is already causing chaos at airports nationwide, impacting countless travelers and critical medical appointments.
Duffy stated on Fox News that, “If this shutdown doesn’t end relatively soon, the consequence is that more controllers don’t come to work.” With 1,500 flights canceled by Friday evening and a staggering 4,576 delays reported within, into, or out of the United States, the clock is ticking for air travelers.
The economic fallout from the mandated cuts is becoming increasingly severe, with experts indicating that the effects could be “far worse” than anticipated. Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, cautioned, “If the air travel thing goes south for another week or two, you could say that they would have at least a near-term downturn.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already begun implementing cuts, reducing 4 percent of routes at the nation’s busiest airports. This reduction is expected to escalate to 10 percent by next Friday, exacerbating travel woes.
The impact is deeply personal for many. Take Neil Lyon, who faces a vital cancer-related surgery in Houston. His flight from New Mexico is among the many jeopardized by the ongoing turmoil. “It’s just adding unnecessary stress to a situation that’s already filled with legitimate stress,” he told CNN, expressing frustration not only for himself but for millions of others experiencing similar issues.
The situation is so critical that Lyon and his wife are exploring backup plans, including moving their flight up a day or even driving 12 hours to reach Houston if necessary. “I’m worried about getting to Houston in time for a procedure that’s been scheduled for quite some time and there’s some urgency,” he added.
In a broader context, Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, highlighted the long-term ramifications of the shutdown. He mentioned that even if the government reopens soon, the chaos could persist due to ongoing staffing shortages. “Controllers are quitting every day,” Daniels noted, warning that the shutdown is deterring young talent from entering the profession.
Duffy emphasized the importance of attracting new air traffic controllers, stating, “This makes it more difficult to get the best and the brightest young people to sign up.” With the immediate future of air travel hanging in the balance, the stakes have never been higher.
Travelers are urged to stay updated as the situation unfolds. The potential for 20 percent flight cancellations is a stark reminder of the widespread impact of the governmental standoff. Authorities are working to mitigate delays, but the clock is ticking, and the urgency cannot be overstated.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves.
