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Flight delays and cancellations continue to affect travelers across the United States due to the ongoing government shutdown. As of Monday morning, more than 1,400 flights have been canceled, and over 700 have been delayed. The Federal Aviation Administration has cut flights since Friday due to staffing issues related to the shutdown.
The situation has been exacerbated by a winter storm affecting the Chicago area, impacting flights at both Chicago Midway and Chicago O'Hare airports. According to USA Today, the FAA has warned that safety-related incidents have increased since the shutdown began. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that the situation may worsen, with potential flight reductions of up to 20% if the shutdown continues.
While a deal to end the shutdown was reportedly reached on Sunday, the government has not yet reopened, and disruptions are expected to persist. CNN reports that the Senate is working on a funding package to resolve the shutdown, but no vote has been scheduled yet.
Travelers should anticipate continued disruptions, especially as the busy Thanksgiving travel period approaches. Despite the challenges, the FAA maintains that flying remains safe, though delays and cancellations will likely linger even after the shutdown ends.
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