New York City officials have warned that the ongoing government shutdown, which has entered its 33rd day since taking effect on October 1, has led to staff shortages in Newark, resulting in delays averaging 2 hours.
Limited arrivals, delays on the ground and a possible complete stop on the ground
New York City Emergency Management took to social media platform X on Sunday, warning travelers flying into the city’s airports about delays due to the government shutdown. “Newark Airport is experiencing a ground delay program today due to staffing shortages in the control tower,” the agency said in the post.
It added that the airport was letting in “20 planes per hour.” It also shared that planning notes from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) illustrate that there could be a complete shutdown “if there are staff shortages or demand increases.”
The agency said flights arriving in Newark may be held on the ground, while departures from Newark may be delayed due to busy gates. “This will impact travel to and from the NYC area,” the report said.
The agency also warned travelers that delays in Newark “often spilled over to JFK and LaGuardia,” adding that travelers can expect gate holds, missed connections and changing schedules. It also said travelers should “check flight status before going to the airport and expect longer wait times.”
Donald Trump and JD Vance weigh in on the shutdown
Recently, Chairman Donald Trump suggested that Republican lawmakers would scrap the filibuster rule and reopen the government without Democratic support. Trump called the move a “Trump card” and the “nuclear option.”
Meanwhile vice president J.D. Vance warned of a “disaster” like travel disruptions and missed paychecks for federal workers ahead of the Thanksgiving season.
American Airlines CEO hopes shutdown is over, Duffy laments ATCs working without pay
American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) CEO Robert IsomDuring the company’s recent third-quarter earnings call, he expressed hope that Congress would take appropriate action to reopen the government. “I have been in constant contact with Secretary Duffy regarding the impact of the government shutdown,” Isom said.
Meanwhile, the US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy warned that ATCs were engaging in gig economy jobs such as driving DoorDash Inc. (NASDAQ:DASH) and Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) “just to put food on the table.” He urged the Democratic Party to end the shutdown.
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