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Travel disruptions continue at 40 major U.S. airports, including Newark, JFK, LaGuardia, and Teterboro, due to ongoing flight reductions linked to the government shutdown. Airlines have warned that even if the government reopens soon, it will take time for operations to return to normal. The shortage of air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay, has led to many calling out sick to take side jobs. On Tuesday, there was a six percent reduction in air traffic, resulting in approximately 4,000 flight delays and 1,200 cancellations.
The Trump administration ordered airlines to cut four percent of domestic flights, a number set to increase to 10 percent if the shutdown persists. According to CNBC, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel could be reduced to a "trickle" if the situation continues. The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated these cuts to ease the pressure on overworked air traffic controllers.
Airlines such as American, United, and Delta have already announced cancellations, with American Airlines cutting about 220 flights and United canceling nearly 200 flights daily. ABC7NY reported that these measures are intended to manage the strain on the system, though they have led to significant disruptions for travelers.
The government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has thrust air traffic controllers into the spotlight, with many facing financial strain. The Reuters reported that airlines are bracing for continued disruptions as they navigate the challenges of reduced flight schedules and rebooking passengers. As the Thanksgiving travel season approaches, airlines and travelers alike are urging lawmakers to resolve the shutdown swiftly.
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