Government shutdown impacting air travel
The FAA announced flight restrictions begin tomorrow, to reduce air traffic as the government shutdown wears on Both Midway and O’Hare International are affected.
CHICAGO – Flight restrictions begin Friday to ease the strain on the system, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Already, there were multiple delays at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Travelers say they are watching for texts and emails from their airlines.
What we know:
Joseph Landes travels a lot. He said he wasn’t worried about flying safely. But he has empathy for the employees.
He said,” I definitely feel for people out of work. I hope they can get this resolved so they can get back to work, make sure families are fed.”
There was a long line to make it through security at O’Hare International on Thursday. The government shutdown has caused a shortage of TSA agents and Air Traffic Controllers.
To maintain safety, the FAA ordered a temporary 10% reduction in flights at 40 high-traffic airports across the country, including O’Hare and Midway. Major carriers like United, American and Delta Air Lines are canceling flights and alerting passengers.
Brittany Tate is flying to New Jersey. She said she plans to give TSA agents gift cards but, “I am going to limit flying if this is a poor experience. So we’ll put our bets on the table and see where it lands.”
TSA agents and Air Traffic Controllers have been working without pay for more than a month. The FAA says pilots reported a strain on the system. This past weekend, there were more than 2,700 flight delays.
And the busy holiday travel season is approaching. Someone is making a list of who’s naughty and nice.
Santa Corky is a social media influencer from Washington. He said, “I’m making the list, it depends on how they go. Let’s get them guys paid OK?”
The Source: This story contains reporting from Fox 32’s Joanie Lum.
ChicagoNewsMidway International AirportO’Hare International Airport