UPDATE: The House of Representatives is poised to vote this afternoon on a critical funding bill aimed at ending the government shutdown, which has already begun to disrupt air travel nationwide. As lawmakers debate, travelers at airports, including LaGuardia, Newark, and John F. Kennedy, are feeling the immediate effects of ongoing cancellations and delays.
As of early Wednesday, LaGuardia has reported a striking 4% cancellation rate, while Newark and JFK are experiencing 4% and 2% cancellations, respectively. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that while commercial aviation continues to operate, the situation is precarious. On Tuesday, only four staffing triggers were reported, a significant drop from 81 on Saturday.
If the shutdown persists, Duffy warned of severe disruptions expected next weekend. “I think we would see significant disruption coming this next weekend, maybe as early as Friday,” he stated. “Airlines may face a serious decision on whether they continue to fly.” Duffy noted that without a resolution, airlines might ground flights entirely, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The impact of the shutdown extends beyond air travel. Nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits find themselves in limbo, while federal workers are going unpaid. Duffy assured that once the government reopens, air traffic controllers will receive their payments within 24 to 48 hours and will be fully compensated within a week.
Currently, the FAA is enforcing a 6% reduction in flight operations, which is set to escalate to 10% on Friday if the shutdown is unresolved. Even after a potential reopening, officials warn it may take several days for flight operations to stabilize.
As the House prepares to vote, travelers and federal employees alike are left wondering if relief is on the horizon. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as families and individuals across the country brace for further travel chaos and uncertain financial futures.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we track the outcome of today’s crucial vote and its implications for millions of Americans.
