Holiday Travel Chaos: Air Traffic Controllers Feel the Heat

The aviation industry is in a tough spot. The government shutdown is causing big problems for air traffic controllers. These essential workers are not getting paid, and it's affecting their lives and the economy. Leaders from major airlines are speaking out. They met with Vice President JD Vance to discuss the impact of the shutdown. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the situation is unfair to workers and bad for the economy. He urged Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government. Air traffic controllers are under a lot of stress. Before the shutdown, most control centers were already understaffed. Now, many controllers are working long hours, some even taking on second jobs to make ends meet.The shutdown is causing flight delays and cancellations. Some workers have even called in sick to protest the lack of pay. This has led to over 7, 300 flight delays and 1, 250 cancellations in a single day. The economic impact is significant. The shutdown is expected to cost the U. S. economy nearly $14 billion. While some government employees are still getting paid, others, like air traffic controllers, are not. The situation is critical. The shutdown is about to become the longest in U. S. history. Congress needs to act fast to avoid more disruptions and economic losses.