The ongoing government shutdown in the United States has caused major disruptions and delays in the travel industry. Additionally, record-low temperatures across the country are expected to further exacerbate these issues during the busy travel season.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been forced to cut flights at major airports to ease the pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers. Despite a glimmer of hope from a proposed bill to reopen the government, the travel industry continues to face widespread problems.
Initially, the FAA was expected to increase flight cuts from 4% to 6% at 40 major airports on Tuesday. However, this number is now expected to reach 10% by Friday. As of this morning, over 1,100 flights within, into, or out of the United States have been canceled, according to data tracker FlightAware.
In addition to the FAA cuts, frigid weather conditions are adding to the chaos. A cold front is moving across the eastern two-thirds of the country, bringing freezing temperatures and setting low temperature records. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of the South, including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport where snow is expected to end around 11:30 AM CST.
The wintery conditions have caused further delays at airports, with both O’Hare and Midway airports warning of about five-hour delays for travelers today.
As the holiday season approaches, there are concerns that the busiest travel day of the year, Thanksgiving, will be met with complete chaos at airports. It is too early to predict if weather conditions will have improved by then.
Last week, the FAA reported that between 20% and 40% of air traffic controllers were not showing up for work during the shutdown. This has caused significant strain on the remaining controllers who are working without pay. Reports have also emerged about air traffic controllers seeking other jobs to cope with the lack of pay. President Trump has threatened to cut the pay of those who refuse to show up for work.
Even when the government reopens, it may take several days or longer for air traffic to return to normal, according to USA Today.
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