Flight-tracking website FlightAware said more than 1,550 flights had been canceled and 1,400 delayed by 2:30 p.m. Monday, after 2,950 flights were canceled and 10,800 delayed the day before — the worst day of air travel disruption since the federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1.
The snowstorm in Chicago is also contributing to air travel disruptions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said late Sunday that it was suspending general aviation at 12 airports facing shortages, including Chicago’s O’Hare and Washington’s Reagan.
The government shutdown, which is lasting a record 40 days, has led to a shortage of air traffic controllers, who, like other federal government employees, have not been paid for weeks.
The US Senate moved closer late Sunday to passing legislation that would end the government shutdown.
The FAA ordered airlines to reduce their daily flights by four percent at 40 major airports starting Friday because of aviation safety concerns.
Flight restrictions will increase to six percent on Tuesday and then to ten percent on November 14.
The big question for airlines is when the FAA will lift those restrictions.
Transport Minister Sean Duffy said he first wanted to see improvements in the number of air traffic controllers and safety data.
(Vijesti.ba / HINA)
