Government Shutdown Threatens Air Travel disruptions at NYC-Area Airports
NEW YORK – A partial government shutdown is raising concerns about potential travel disruptions at New York City-area airports, as teh Port Authority warns of possible impacts to air traffic control and infrastructure modernization. The shutdown, stemming from a lack of congressional agreement on federal funding, is already causing stress for air traffic controllers and coudl lead to reduced efficiency in the national airspace system.
The ongoing impasse is impacting the Federal Aviation Management (FAA), with potential consequences for the rebuilding of the nation’s outdated air traffic control system.The U.S. Department of Transportation confirmed work on the modernization project will be delayed,attributing the stall to Democrats.”President Trump and Secretary Duffy are ushering in a golden age of transportation. Now is not the time for a reckless government shutdown. But thanks to Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries holding the federal government hostage, our work to rebuild America’s aging infrastructure will stall,” a spokesperson stated.
Airlines for America, representing major carriers like Delta, United, Southwest, and American, cautioned that maintaining aviation safety-the nation’s safest mode of transportation-may require slowing down the system, reducing overall efficiency.
The impact is already being felt by those working within the system. Former air traffic controller Todd Yeary, who worked through shutdowns in the 1990s, described the stress of working without a guaranteed paycheck. “that’s stressful, and so when that stress comes with you to work, it can sometimes be very distracting because you’re trying to figure out: how much longer am I gonna have to do this without the benefit of at least getting my paycheck on time,” Yeary saeid.
Travelers are bracing for potential delays. “I’m hoping it all gets resolved, because we fly constantly and we depend on air traffic controllers,” said zee Desmondes, a traveler at Newark Liberty International Airport.
While both parties blame each other for the shutdown, the immediate concern for air travelers is the possibility of increased delays and cancellations as the situation unfolds.
