Summary
U.S. air travel faces significant disruptions due to a government shutdown, with many flights delayed or canceled. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues, air travel might come to a near halt. Efforts are ongoing in Congress to resolve the funding issue and reopen the government.
Key Facts
- The U.S. government shutdown is causing major disruptions in air travel with about 1,400 flights canceled and 2,700 delayed.
- The longest flight delays were over two hours in Newark, New Jersey.
- Lawmakers are trying to negotiate a deal to end the shutdown and restore government funding.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to cut air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 major U.S. airports.
- Air traffic controllers are working without pay, leading to fatigue and reduced air traffic operations.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered military air traffic controllers to help, but they are not certified for civilian airports.
- The shutdown has affected federal workers' pay and food assistance programs for low-income Americans.
- The political impasse is over budget disagreements, including health insurance subsidies, between Republicans and Democrats.
