Flights Grounded: Government Shutdown Causes Air Travel Chaos

Air Traffic Controllers' Absences Lead to Flight Cancellations and Delays

The ongoing US government shutdown is severely impacting air travel. Many air traffic controllers are not reporting to work due to unpaid wages, resulting in widespread flight cancellations and delays. Experts predict the situation will worsen in the coming days.

Senate Negotiates Deal to End Shutdown

The US Senate is working to pass a deal that would reopen the government for approximately 80 days. This temporary measure aims to provide lawmakers with additional time to negotiate a long-term funding agreement. Key provisions of the deal include:

• Reversal of all government employee layoffs during the shutdown.
• Guaranteed back pay for federal workers.

Air Travelers Face Frustration

Air travelers are increasingly frustrated by the cancellations and delays, especially as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches—a typically busy travel period. Many may be unable to travel due to the shutdown's impact.

Broader Effects of the Shutdown

The shutdown has had far-reaching consequences across the country:

• Federal workers are not receiving paychecks.
• Federally funded museums have been forced to close.
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), which supports millions of low-income Americans, has also been affected.

Lawmakers Debate Solutions

Some lawmakers advocate for a permanent funding solution, while others support a temporary plan to mitigate the shutdown's impact on everyday Americans. Although the end of the current shutdown is in sight, the risk of another shutdown looms if a long-term agreement is not reached.