Three million air travelers impacted by shutdown staffing shortages
US airlines say more than 3.2 million air travelers have been impacted by delays and cancellations during the month-long government shutdown.
Airlines for America, the trade group representing major US airlines, said about 16% of delays are a result of staffing issues during October, three times more than before the shutdown.
It said on Friday alone, 300,000 passengers were affected which is the worst day so far since the shutdown began.
Staffing shortages have heavily affected air traffic control coverage which has led to ground stops at airports on numerous occasions.
TSA security screening lines are also being affected with Houston George Bush Airport security wait times now exceeding three hours.
“Houston Airports is doing everything possible to support our TSA partners and keep passengers moving safely and efficiently. “We ask that passengers continue to arrive early and expect extended security wait times until the federal government shutdown is resolved,” the airport authority said.
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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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