URGENT UPDATE: The House of Representatives is set to vote this afternoon on a critical funding bill aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown. As the vote approaches, travelers nationwide are experiencing significant disruptions at airports, with thousands impacted.
As of Wednesday morning, LaGuardia Airport has reported a staggering 4% of flights canceled, while Newark Airport and John F. Kennedy Airport also face similar challenges, each reporting a 4% and 2% cancellation rate, respectively. The travel chaos is escalating, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that unless the government reopens soon, the airline industry could face severe operational challenges by this weekend.
Duffy stated, “I think we would see that significant disruption coming this next weekend, maybe as early as Friday.” He emphasized the gravity of the situation, predicting that airlines may consider grounding flights entirely if the shutdown persists. “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,” he added.
In recent days, commercial aviation has remained operational, with only four staffing triggers reported on Tuesday, a significant drop from 81 triggers just a few days prior. However, with major airports like LaGuardia experiencing a rise in cancellations—11% of flights—the situation remains precarious. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently mandates a 6% reduction in flight operations, which is set to increase to 10% by Friday, exacerbating the potential for disruptions.
The human impact is profound: nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits are left in uncertainty, while federal workers are going without pay. As the vote looms, travelers are left waiting for clarity and relief.
Once the government reopens, Duffy assured that air traffic controllers would begin receiving their payments within 24 to 48 hours, and they would be compensated fully within a week. However, officials caution that even after the shutdown is resolved, it may take several days for flight operations to return to normal.
The Department of Transportation is also investigating controllers who failed to report to work during the shutdown, signaling a broader concern about operational integrity.
Next Steps: As the House prepares for its vote, all eyes are on the outcome. The potential for severe air travel disruptions looms large, and travelers are urged to stay updated on flight statuses. Should the shutdown continue, expect escalating chaos at airports across the nation this weekend.
This developing situation is urgent, and travelers are encouraged to monitor updates closely as the vote unfolds.
