URGENT UPDATE: The House of Representatives is set to vote this afternoon on a crucial funding bill aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown, which has already begun to severely impact air travel across the United States.
As lawmakers debate the future of federal funding, travelers are feeling the consequences at major airports. As of this morning, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Airport are reporting 4% flight cancellations, while John F. Kennedy Airport is seeing 2% of its flights grounded. This situation is escalating, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning that disruptions could worsen significantly by this weekend if a resolution is not reached.
Duffy confirmed that air travel has continued to function over the past two days, with only four staffing issues reported on Tuesday— a significant drop from 81 on Saturday. However, he cautioned that the situation remains precarious, particularly at LaGuardia, where cancellations have spiked to 11%. If the shutdown persists, he stated, “we would see significant disruptions coming this next weekend, maybe as early as Friday.”
The potential for airlines to cease operations altogether is rising. Duffy mentioned, “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 government shutdown drags on, nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits find themselves in limbo, and federal workers are going without pay.
Looking ahead, Duffy announced that once the government reopens, air traffic controllers will receive payment within 24 to 48 hours and will be fully compensated within a week. However, even after the shutdown’s conclusion, officials warn it may take several days for flight operations to return to normal levels.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently mandates a 6% reduction in flight operations, which is set to increase to 10% on Friday. With the clock ticking, travelers and airline staff alike are bracing for the worst as the House prepares for its pivotal vote.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds. The outcome of today’s vote could determine the fate of millions of travelers and federal employees across the country.
