US government shutdown grounds 1,000 flights, travel disruption grows
US airlines cancel flights due to government shutdown (Photo: Getty Images)
US airlines have canceled 1,000 flights due to the US government shutdown, according to the Associated Press.
Next week, even more cancellations are expected at the country’s busiest airports, following an order from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The directive comes in response to air traffic controllers, who have gone nearly a month without pay, resigning in increasing numbers.
Passengers have faced last-minute flight cancellations and long security lines at 40 US airports, including major hubs in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Airlines expect only limited disruptions this weekend and emphasize that international flights are not affected.
However, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffey warned that if the shutdown continues, even more air traffic controllers could resign due to missing their second consecutive paycheck. As a result, flight cancellations could rise from 10% to 15% or even 20%.
Consequences of the shutdown
As previously reported by RBC-Ukraine, the US government shutdown is affecting American troops in Germany, forcing some to rely on food banks.
Approximately 37,000 US soldiers stationed in Germany risk missing their November pay. Meanwhile, the US military has posted guidance on coping in such situations, including emergency social benefits, loans, food banks, and organizations distributing meals.
The shutdown began on October 1 and has now lasted 40 days. The impasse stems from disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over healthcare funding: Democrats demand continued subsidies for health insurance, while Republicans oppose it.
