Brace for more air travel delays as government shutdown drags into second month, experts say

The ongoing government shutdown in the United States is starting to have a significant impact on air travel, with flight disruptions and delays becoming more common. As air traffic controllers missed their first full paycheck late last month, the situation is only expected to worsen as the shutdown continues.

According to FlightAware, almost 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed on Sunday, Nov. 2, with Newark Liberty Airport experiencing a four-hour ground delay. Staffing triggers, which indicate understaffing at air traffic control facilities, were reported at airports in Nashville, Jacksonville, Austin, and Denver.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that airport delays are likely to get worse as the shutdown persists. Essential workers such as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees are required to work without pay until a new funding deal is reached.

Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going.com, expressed concerns about the impact of the shutdown on air travel, noting that TSA lines are already reaching three to four-hour wait times. Some Houston travelers faced wait times of up to an hour at airport security checkpoints over the weekend, with only two out of five checkpoints open at Bush airport.

Looking ahead to Thanksgiving week, Nastro warned that the holiday travel season could be severely impacted if the shutdown continues. With a record number of Americans expected to travel for the holidays, delays and disruptions at airports could reach unprecedented levels.

In light of potential flight disruptions, Nastro suggested that some holiday travelers may be better off driving to their destinations. Booking early morning flights, between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., can also help minimize delays as these flights are more likely to depart on time.

Despite these challenges, experts assure that air safety is not compromised, as the FAA will slow flights if there aren’t enough air traffic controllers to direct them. Transportation Secretary Duffy reaffirmed that the federal government will prioritize safety and “stop traffic” if necessary to prevent any safety issues.

As the government shutdown continues to impact air travel, passengers are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly to minimize disruptions during the busy holiday season.