UPDATE: House lawmakers are set to vote Wednesday afternoon on a crucial funding bill aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown, as air travel disruptions escalate across the nation. Thousands of travelers are experiencing significant delays and cancellations at major airports, with reports indicating a rising number of affected flights.
In the latest updates from Wednesday, LaGuardia Airport has seen 4% of its flights canceled, while both Newark Airport and John F. Kennedy Airport report 4% and 2% cancellations, respectively. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that commercial aviation had managed to remain operational over the past two days, with only four staffing triggers reported on Tuesday—down from a staggering 81 on Saturday.
However, the situation remains dire. Duffy warned that without a resolution, severe disruptions are anticipated as early as Friday of this week. “I think we would see that significant disruption coming this next weekend,” he stated. “You might have airlines that say, ‘We’re going to ground our planes. We’re not going to fly anymore.’ That’s how serious this is.”
As the shutdown continues, nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits face uncertainty, while federal workers are left without pay. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has enforced a 6% flight reduction, which is expected to escalate to 10% on Friday. Duffy indicated that even after the government reopens, it may take several days for air traffic operations to return to normal.
Travelers should prepare for potential cancellations and delays as airlines reassess their operations. Duffy emphasized that air traffic controllers will begin receiving payments within 24 to 48 hours after the government reopens, ensuring they are compensated fully within a week.
The urgency to resolve this crisis cannot be overstated. As the vote in the House approaches, the implications for travelers and federal employees are profound. Stakeholders across the aviation sector are closely monitoring developments, knowing that the next few days will be critical.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The impact on air travel and the lives of millions hangs in the balance.
