Due to the US shutdown, the FAA has cut flights by 10% on 40 busy air routes. This could lead to passengers facing cancelled and delayed flights.
US Shutdown: The ongoing shutdown in the US is having a widespread impact on air traffic and government operations. Due to the shutdown, which came into effect on October 1st, federal employees are not receiving salaries, and the functioning of many departments has been affected. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is facing a staff shortage due to a lack of government financial resources.
The FAA has stated that to maintain safety, it will reduce air services by 10 percent on 40 of the busiest routes. This will directly affect flight schedules and passenger convenience. According to officials, some air traffic controllers are working without pay, while others have stopped working during the shutdown.
Impact on Air Traffic
Following the FAA's decision, the likelihood of flight delays on US air routes has increased. Experts say that the 10 percent reduction on busy routes will alleviate air traffic pressure, but passengers may face cancelled or delayed flights. Airlines will need to inform passengers according to the new schedule.
The FAA states that this step has been taken solely to ensure safety, and passenger safety is paramount. Meanwhile, other government departments such as customs and aviation security are also being affected by the shutdown.
Trump Takes a Tough Stance
Amidst the shutdown in the US, President Donald Trump recently made it clear that he would not yield to pressure from Democrats. Trump stated that he would not make any compromises to resume operations in government departments.
Trump said on CBS's '60 Minutes' program that Democrats have strayed from their path in demanding an expansion of healthcare subsidies. He stated that ultimately, Democratic leaders would concede to Republican leaders, and the shutdown would be resolved.
When and Why the Shutdown Began
The shutdown in the US began on October 1st. The reason was that members of the Democratic Party rejected a proposal for short-term financial aid. They demanded that the bill include federal concessions for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
A shutdown is implemented when Congress does not approve a financial package for government expenditures. This directly affects government departments, employees, and the public. This time, the reason for the shutdown is cited as the demand for amendments to health insurance.
Following the FAA's announcement, airlines will have to reduce the number of flights on 40 busy routes. Passengers will need to be prepared for cancelled and delayed flights. Experts say that this measure on busy air routes will balance traffic, but passengers' travel will be affected.
