Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Travel chaos in the United States escalated on Sunday as the government shutdown stretched into its 40th day, causing widespread disruptions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that continued shutdown could lead air traffic to dwindle, resulting in significant delays just before Thanksgiving.
Flight tracking reports indicated over 2,900 cancellations and 8,600 delays for flights within, to, or from the US. Newark experienced some of the longest delays, averaging over two hours.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has started to decrease capacity at 40 major airports, with cuts of 6% over the past weekend expected to reach 10% by the following weekend. While international flights remain largely unaffected, staffing shortages may prompt airlines to cancel some routes.
The shutdown has left many air traffic controllers unpaid and some are either exhausted or not reporting for work, leading the FAA to implement these reductions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered military air traffic controllers as support, but Duffy rejected the suggestion due to certification issues.
This prolonged shutdown, the longest in US history, has resulted in unpaid federal employees and disrupted crucial services, including nutrition aid. Lawmakers from both sides have blamed each other for the deadlock, with Democrats pushing for health insurance subsidies and Republicans advocating funding without added conditions.
President Donald Trump proposed direct funding to Americans for health insurance instead of to companies, complicating negotiations further. Senate Republicans are reportedly seeking a compromise, with a vote on potential legislation anticipated soon.
As the shutdown continues, travelers confront increasing uncertainty, and experts warn that air travel disruptions may escalate if a resolution is not achieved promptly.
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