‘Catastrophic:’ Air travel industry warns of more delays at DFW, Love as shutdown drags on.
DALLAS – The ongoing federal government shutdown is escalating disruptions to air travel, with industry leaders warning of increasing delays at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field as the impasse in Washington continues.The federal Aviation Governance (FAA) has already begun reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets, a move that is beginning to impact travelers ahead of the busy holiday season.
The cuts, implemented Nov. 5, are a direct consequence of the shutdown and are designed to manage staffing limitations at the FAA. Experts predict further deterioration of air travel efficiency if the shutdown persists, possibly leading to widespread cancellations and significant economic consequences for the region. The situation follows a recent UPS cargo plane crash on takeoff from a Kentucky airport on Nov.4, where 12 people died after an engine fell off and the aircraft exploded.
The FAA’s reduction in air traffic affects major metropolitan areas, including those served by DFW and Love Field. According to the Dallas news, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the impact, signaling a challenging period for air travelers. The agency is prioritizing safety, but the reduced capacity is already causing ripple effects throughout the national airspace system.
The shutdown’s impact extends beyond flight schedules. Security screenings at airports could face longer lines as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees work without pay. While TSA has assured the public that security will not be compromised, concerns remain about potential staffing shortages and morale.
Industry analysts warn that the timing of the shutdown is particularly problematic, coinciding with the approaching Thanksgiving and December holiday travel peaks. The disruption could cost airlines millions of dollars in lost revenue and inconvenience hundreds of thousands of passengers.
