In a critical announcement, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy revealed that starting Friday, Nov. 7, ten percent of flights will be canceled at 40 unidentified American airports deemed to have “high volume” traffic, assuming the ongoing government shutdown is not resolved by then. This significant move is expected to create substantial disruptions in air travel, signaling a potential logistical crisis of historic proportions.
This decision stemmed from what Duffy referred to as a “gut check” during a press conference, indicating how the current situation is beginning to severely impact air travel. As the effects of the shutdown snowball, travelers may soon face unexpected chaos.
Understanding the Role and Stress of Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers are essential federal employees responsible for ensuring the safe navigation of aircraft. These professionals typically monitor the positions of numerous flying airplanes, dealing with immense pressure and stress in their roles. Currently, with paychecks stalled due to the government shutdown, many air traffic controllers are forced to seek additional sources of income, impacting their ability to perform their critical jobs effectively.
An anonymous air traffic controller shared with NPR that an alarming number of colleagues are “calling in sick to go earn money elsewhere.” This trend is concerning, especially since over 90 percent of workplace towers were already understaffed prior to the shutdown. Moreover, controllers received their second paycheck devoid of funds, leading to what the FAA has termed as “immense stress and fatigue.”
Flight Cancellations and Delays Are Already Happening
Warnings regarding “mass chaos” in air travel are already manifesting, with around 5,000 flights delayed at U.S. airports in just one day this past Sunday. For instance, flights at Los Angeles International Airport experienced an average delay of one hour. As these cancellations begin, they will not be coordinated with passengers in mind but instead focus on alleviating stress on federal employees, potentially exacerbating the existing chaos—and leading to further cancellations and missed connections.
Is Air Travel Becoming Safer or More Dangerous?
Travelers should be aware that cancellations and delays aren’t their only concerns. National Air Traffic Controllers Association president Nick Daniels expressed worries about safety, stating, “Every single day that this goes on, tomorrow is now less safe than today.” This statement underscores the urgent need for resolution to the ongoing shutdown and its effect on aviation safety.
Impact on TSA Workers and Security
The situation extends to TSA workers, who are also experiencing similar pay issues, prompting many to call in sick and leading to notoriously long lines at airport security. Reports indicate wait times have reached up to four-and-a-half hours at one airport, making travel even more frustrating.
What Does This Mean for Thanksgiving Travel?
With Thanksgiving just 21 days away and the following Sunday known as the busiest travel day of the year, the implications of the current situation could be dire. Last year, about 20 million Americans traveled during the Thanksgiving weekend, and the airline lobby, Airlines for America, expects record-breaking travel this year. If the shutdown persists, the delays and cancellations could heavily impact holiday travel plans.
As Nick Daniels noted, recovering from this catastrophic situation could take weeks, making it essential for the government to act swiftly. If the shutdown extends through the holiday season, stress levels among workers will only rise, and adverse weather conditions could turn a minor inconvenience into a travel nightmare.
Are flights likely to be canceled during the peak travel season? Yes, if the government shutdown remains unresolved, widespread flight cancellations are a distinct possibility.
How does this shutdown affect air traffic safety? The ongoing closure threatens safety, with reports indicating that air travel safety declines each day the shutdown continues.
What can travelers do to prepare for possible delays? Travelers should stay informed about their flight status and arrive at the airport early to mitigate potential delays caused by staffing shortages.
As this situation unfolds, it’s crucial to keep track of ongoing developments and prepare for potential disruptions. Continue exploring related topics and updates at Moyens I/O.