The Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed lifting limits on the number of flights allowed at 40 key airports, noting some improvement in concerning nationwide trends during the shutdown. However, the department still needs air traffic controllers to return to work.
Speaking at a press conference at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on November 11, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the DOT would wait for more data before removing restrictions, but this would depend on whether controllers resume their duties.
On November 10, the U.S. Senate passed a bill aimed at ending the longest federal government shutdown in history and sent it to the House of Representatives for a vote.
The vote comes amid a severe shortage of air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working without regular pay during the shutdown. The lack of personnel has led to thousands of flight delays and cancellations, with the situation worsening in recent days.
According to CNBC, government and union officials said controllers have now missed full paychecks for the second time this week. Some have taken second jobs and are facing increasing levels of stress.
Even if the House approves the funding bill to keep the government running through January, airlines will still need time to readjust flight schedules and staffing — especially with the busy Thanksgiving travel season approaching next week.
Airline associations predict record-high passenger numbers for the holiday period. The advocacy group Airlines for America warned that airlines cannot immediately return to full capacity once the government reopens, and it will take time to recover from the disruption.
Airlines will need to reorganize flight schedules, reposition aircraft, and reassign crews after last week’s mandatory service cuts.
More than 5 million passengers have been affected by staffing issues since the U.S. government shutdown began on October 1, forcing some travelers to seek alternatives such as buses, rental cars, or even private flights.