UPDATE: The House of Representatives is set to vote this afternoon on a crucial funding bill that aims to end the ongoing government shutdown, which is severely disrupting air travel across the United States. As lawmakers debate this vital legislation, travelers are feeling the immediate impact at major airports nationwide.
As of early Wednesday, LaGuardia Airport has reported a staggering 4% of flights canceled, while both Newark Airport and John F. Kennedy Airport have also experienced 4% and 2% cancellations respectively. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that commercial aviation has generally continued to operate, with only four staffing triggers reported on Tuesday— a significant drop from 81 on Saturday.
The situation remains critical, with predictions that next weekend could bring severe disruptions if the shutdown persists. “I think we would see that significant disruption coming this next weekend, maybe as early as Friday,” Duffy warned. Airlines may face difficult decisions on whether to continue operations, with some potentially grounding flights altogether. “If this doesn’t open, you might have airlines that say, ‘We’re going to ground our planes. We’re not going to fly anymore.’ That’s how serious this is,” Duffy added.
The ongoing shutdown has left nearly 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP benefits in limbo, while federal workers are going without pay. Duffy reassured that once the government reopens, air traffic controllers will receive their payments within 24 to 48 hours, with back pay provided within a week.
Currently, the FAA mandates a 6% reduction in flight operations, which is set to escalate to 10% on Friday. Even after the anticipated resolution, officials caution that it may take several days for normal flight operations to resume. Duffy emphasized that data collected over time will determine the timeline for recovery.
Travelers and airline passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses as the situation develops. The urgency of the House vote today cannot be overstated—its outcome will directly impact millions, from federal employees to everyday travelers. Share this information widely and stay informed as we monitor further developments.
