Government shutdown causing Paine for Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is the latest carrier forced to postpone new routes due to the government shutdown.
Furloughed FAA inspectors mean the carrier’s new flights from Everett’s Paine Field airport are grounded for the time being, unable to complete the critical pre-launch certification procedure.
Alaska made the ‘tough decision’ to postpone.
That could prove a little disruptive for customers who have already booked flights out of Paine Field.
Alaska had started selling tickets to eight destinations on the West Coast.
Customers with bookings for flights up to March 4 will receive an email notification.
They will be automatically re-accommodated on Alaska flights out of nearby Sea-Tac Airport at no cost.
"We know our guests who purchased tickets to and from Paine Field will be disappointed by this delay – so are we," Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines’ chief commercial officer wrote in a blog post.
"There are certain things that are simply out of our control. We apologize if your travel plans need to change."
Customers can also opt for a full refund, the airline said.
Alaska said a further delay beyond March 4 is possible depending on when the shutdown eventually ends.
It is serving Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, CA., Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose from Paine Field.
United Airlines is also launching services from the newly revamped airport in late March.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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