Government Shutdown Disrupts Flights: Airlines Rush to Meet FAA Order
The ongoing government shutdown is severely impacting the air travel industry. Amid significant strain on the air traffic control system, the FAA has issued an order that will lead to widespread flight cancellations this weekend.
Flight Cancellations Announced
Several major airports in the USA will be directly affected by these cancellations. The airports facing disruptions include:
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Los Angeles
- New York City (LaGuardia, JFK, Newark)
United Airlines anticipates nearly 200 flight cancellations daily over the coming days. David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer, emphasized the importance of proactive communication to help minimize inconvenience for travelers.
Advice for Travelers
Airlines are advising passengers to be prepared for changes. For urgent travel plans, Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier Airlines, suggested booking a backup ticket on another carrier to avoid being stranded. He indicated that this tip is particularly crucial for essential trips such as weddings or funerals.
FAA’s Reasons for Cuts
The FAA’s decision stems from ongoing challenges within the air traffic control system. Reports indicate that controllers are facing overwork due to persistent understaffing and increasing absenteeism. Sean Cudahy, a senior aviation reporter, equated the potential disruptions to severe weather delays, forecasting a prolonged period of cancellations.
Responses from Major Airlines
Different airlines are reacting to the FAA’s order in various ways:
- American Airlines: Claims the majority of its passengers will be unaffected. The carrier is extending flexibility for changes or refunds based on flight status updates.
- Southwest Airlines: Will refund passengers for canceled flights and automatically rebook them on another flight. Passengers have the option to cancel if they don’t agree with the new itinerary.
- Delta Air Lines: Reserves the expectation that most of its flights will operate as scheduled. They promise to notify customers of any changes and provide refunds for alterations.
- United Airlines: CEO Scott Kirby stated that while regional flights will be impacted, travel between larger hubs remains unaffected. Updates to schedules will occur as the situation evolves.
The ongoing situation emphasizes the need for travelers to stay informed and flexible in their travel plans.
