US Government Shutdown Spurs Massive Airport Delays Across the Country
The ongoing US government shutdown is causing catastrophic disruptions across America’s aviation sector. Major delays are stacking up at airports nationwide as TSA workers and air traffic controllers are forced to work without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that flights across the country could face delays or even cancellations as government employees call out sick in increasing numbers.
The crisis has particularly impacted Washington D.C., where hotel occupancy has dropped sharply during the shutdown. This is affecting the broader hospitality industry. Airlines are scrambling to manage the chaos as staffing shortages at security checkpoints and air traffic control towers create ripple effects throughout the system. This could potentially affect millions of travelers during the busy holiday season.
Industry leaders are now pressuring Congress to pass a short-term spending bill to reopen the government. The situation threatens to derail the traditionally lucrative Thanksgiving and Christmas travel periods.
Source: ABC News Travel Alerts