UPDATE: The House of Representatives is set to vote today, October 4, 2023, on a crucial funding bill aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown. This development comes as thousands of travelers across the United States face significant disruptions at major airports, creating an urgent need for resolution.
Airports are reporting alarming flight cancellations, with LaGuardia and Newark Airport each seeing 4% of flights canceled, while John F. Kennedy Airport reports a 2% cancellation rate. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that while commercial aviation has mostly continued without major issues, the situation is precarious. Duffy noted that there were only four staffing triggers reported on Tuesday, a stark drop from 81 on Saturday.
However, the outlook for the coming days is grim. Duffy warned that if the shutdown persists, airlines might halt operations altogether by this weekend, saying, “I think we would see that significant disruption coming this next weekend, maybe as early as Friday.” He added that airlines could face tough decisions, stating, “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.’ That’s how serious this is.”
With federal workers experiencing pay delays and nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits left in limbo, the urgency for a resolution is palpable. Duffy confirmed that once the government reopens, air traffic controllers would begin receiving their pay within 24 to 48 hours and would be compensated fully within a week.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently mandates a 6% reduction in operations, a figure expected to rise to 10% by Friday if the shutdown continues. Duffy emphasized that even after the government reopens, it may take several days for flight operations to return to normal levels.
Travelers and federal employees alike are anxiously awaiting the House vote, as the timeline for recovery remains uncertain. The potential for widespread airline disruptions looms large, leaving many to wonder about the immediate future of air travel.
As lawmakers prepare to cast their votes, the nation watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to restore normalcy for millions affected by this shutdown. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.
