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Hundreds of flights have been canceled across the US this week — with more expected in the coming days — as airlines comply with a mandated reduction in service due to the ongoing government shutdown.
It is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Plan to reduce air smugglingC 10 percent – to move the agency means It is necessary to maintain the safety of travel amid the shortage of workers caused by the closure that began on Oct. 1.
Wondering how it got to this point? Here’s an overview of what we know so far:
What is the reason for the flight reduction?
The FAA says the reduction in flight reductions is intended to relieve some of the pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay as the purdown continues, and has been Driving a job.
“With continued delays and undeniable manpower shortages, which are driving fatigue, risks are increasing again, and the FAA is concerned about the program’s ability to maintain current operational capacity,” its agency said. Official order Reading.
Last month, a staff shortage hit the air traffic control tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Southern Califormia when he tried to schedule his departure, according to audio recorded by LIVEatc.net and reported by CNN.
Speaking to reporters at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, but put it to the Democrats to be able to close the government shutdown so that air travel can resume as normal.
“I am grateful for them, but I also see that there is pressure on them. So I am trying to reduce their pressure to keep the airspace safe,” he said.
US airlines have cut 4 percent of flights at 40 major airports after the government announced a dramatic reduction in air traffic due to a record-breaking shutdown. The cut does not apply to international flights, but Canadian airlines are warning of possible delays on connecting flights.
How many flights will be cancelled?
The FAA said on Wednesday that the reduction could affect 40 of the main hubs for travel in the US and other major cities in the country, such as New York and Chicago, will be affected by many airports.
In its order published on Thursday, the agency said the reduction will start at 4 percent on Friday, increase to 6 percent the following Tuesday and 14 percent on November 14.
But on Friday, Duffy warned the US government could force airlines to cut 20 percent of flights if the government shutdown doesn’t end.
At least 1,000 flights were grounded across the US Friday, according to Flaaware, a website that tracks flight disruptions.
Why is the US government shut down now?
The US government shutdown began in early October over the currency crisis, causing widespread resource disruptions.
It sets the record for the longest shutdown on Wednesday as it enters its 36th day.
The shutdown has dragged on as US President Donald Trump has, so far, refused to negotiate with Democrats on their demands to save expiring health insurance subsidies unless he agrees to reopen the government.
The loss of those federal subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year, would leave many people unable to purchase health insurance.
Republicans have been reluctant to support the health care plan, also known as Obamacare, without changes, but reaching a deal with Democrats could take time — if one is reached at all.
How can this impact Canadian travelers?
The cut only applies to domestic flights in the US, the FAA said in its order.
But Canadian airlines operate thousands of flights on crossings every week, including hundreds of connecting flights using baby carriers.
Here’s what the various airlines have to say so far:
- Earlier this week, Air Canada told CBC News it was maintaining its “normal schedule” but added customers connecting on American flights with its partner, United Airlines, could be affected and that delays had already occurred. The airline allows customers on connecting flights with United to change or reduce their travel without a change fee.
- Porter Airlines says it is “managing disruptions” related to FAA staffing shortages and offering “flexible, complimentary travel” to customers.
- Westjet said its operations were not affected but it was monitoring the situation.
How long can this flight disruption last?
That remains up in the air (pardon the pun) but it looks like it will be covered whenever the government shutdown ends.
The FAA’s order says it will continue to review data related to flight operations and operations “and will amend this order as appropriate.”
“If the money is restored and the FAA is confident the pressure on the system has decreased sufficiently, the FAA expects to suspend the operational restrictions required by this order to restore normal operations,” the order said.
When the government shutdown will end is unclear, as Democrats and Republicans remain in limbo.
