Holiday Travel Chaos Looms as Government Shutdown Threatens
As the peak holiday travel season approaches, a government shutdown is looming, threatening to disrupt the plans of millions of travelers. With lawmakers at an impasse, a shutdown could begin as early as Saturday if a deal is not reached.
Essential Services to Continue, But Delays Expected
Despite the potential shutdown, commercial airplanes will continue to fly, and air traffic controllers and TSA agents will remain on the job, albeit without pay. However, the Transportation Security Administration warns that an extended shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports.
Air Travel Industry Bracing for Impact
Airlines are forecasting a record-breaking holiday season, with United Airlines alone expecting to fly nearly 10 million passengers between December 19 and January 6. The industry is concerned about the potential impact of a shutdown on air travel, with congestion already a major issue.
FAA Leadership in Flux
Adding to the uncertainty, the Federal Aviation Administration is once again without a permanent administrator, following the announcement that Mike Whitaker will step down on January 20. Industry leaders, such as Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, are calling for modernization of air traffic control and the hiring of more controllers to be a top priority for the next FAA administrator.
Government Employees Face Uncertainty
If a shutdown occurs, hundreds of thousands of government employees will be furloughed, leaving them without pay during the holiday season. The last government shutdown, which lasted over a month in 2018-2019, had a significant impact on air travel, with callouts from air traffic controllers causing delays and disruptions.
Travelers Urged to Plan Ahead
With the potential for delays and disruptions looming, travelers are advised to plan ahead, check with their airlines for updates, and prepare for possible changes to their travel plans. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the holiday travel season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
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