How is the US shutdown impacting travel?
Asked 6 days ago
Answer
The US government shutdown is causing widespread travel disruptions, with major airports experiencing hours-long delays due to air traffic controller and TSA staffing shortages. Passengers face missed flights, overnight stays in terminals, and increased stress. Some airports have temporarily halted landings, and officials warn that holiday travel could see even worse delays if the shutdown continues.
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Delays reported at Newark Liberty International Airport
- Staffing shortages at Newark Airport have worsened due to the government shutdown. 5s
- The week is particularly busy as schools are closed for holidays and conventions, increasing travel volume. 21s
- Staffing shortages at control towers are causing ground delays and flight disruptions. 52s
- Flights to and from Newark have experienced delays, with some departures postponed by several hours. 1m 2s
- Travelers are advised to regularly check with their airlines for the latest updates. 1m 40s
References
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy states that the longer the shutdown continues, the worse delays will get. In Houston, only two of four security checkpoints are open, causing lines up to seven hours and many missed flights.
Passengers are experiencing long delays, with some spending the night in terminals. In Boston, delays exceed two hours; at New York's Kennedy Airport, nearly three hours; and at Newark, more than an hour. The FAA blames a shortage of air traffic controllers due to the shutdown, now 32 days long, with 13,000 controllers missing paychecks.
At least 11 airports report ground delays, with passengers at Nashville, Boston, New York's Kennedy, and Newark facing delays from over an hour to nearly three hours. The FAA warned Orlando airport nearly had to turn away flights due to lack of staff.
Airport workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA staff, are working without pay, leading to sick outs and shortages. The FAA has temporarily halted landings at some airports. Delays and cancellations are nationwide, not just in Florida.
