The U.S. aviation industry is currently going through a tough phase. A decrease in the number of air traffic controllers is the primary reason for these inconveniences. The U.S. government shutdown has fueled the situation to this stage. A large number of flights have been delayed/ cancelled due to staffing shortages. In this blog, we will cover every aspect of the flight disruptions caused by the Air Traffic controller shortages due to the Government Shutdown. Many passengers are complaining about the U.S. airport cancellations (last-minute flight cancellations). We have also offered various rules for this turbulent period. It will safeguard your journey.
Reason behind a surge in U.S. airport cancellations
A federal government shutdown primarily drives the latest rise in U.S. airport cancellations. It has worsened pre-existing staffing shortages of the air traffic controllers. Other persistent industry challenges, including an aging air fleet and supply chain disruptions, compound this. Many air traffic controllers have not appeared for work after the shutdown. It has resulted in dysfunction of the tarmac, causing severe delays/ cancellations. In the midst of all this, passengers are finding it difficult to cope.
Meaning of the U.S. Government Shutdown
The failure of the legislator to pass the funding legislation results in a government shutdown in the USA. The federal government needs the approval of Capitol Hill for funding. It should be done before the next fiscal year. The Capitol Hill lawmakers could not get the proposals meant for government funding through. This shutdown has a detrimental effect on the Airline industry. There were already shortages of air traffic controllers; this shutdown set a domino effect in the Airline industry. The already financially-strained Air traffic controllers feared working without pay. Most of them took sick leave to do other jobs.
How hard have the U.S. Airports been hit due to Shortages?
The shortage has caused thousands of flight delays. It has happened due to the absence of many air traffic controllers (during the U.S. government shutdown). Delays along with cancellations have become a norm across all the airports in the USA. The average delay time ranges from 30 minutes to more than 2.5 hours. A large number of airport towers/ control facilities are understaffed. It leads to inefficiency in flight handling. Some air traffic control facilities in the U.S. have recorded a staggering 50% staff shortage. The U.S. government shutdown is also causing severe financial losses due to flight delays. The U.S. travel economy has hit a $1 billion loss in a week of shutdown. The government has announced that 13,294 air traffic controllers will remain on duty during the government shutdown.
Why the air traffic controller shortage news should worry you?
The rise in airport disruptions is enough to show you the importance of the Air traffic controller. They are considered essential workers and are exempt from furlough (during the government shutdown). Controllers are the key warriors to ensure flight safety. They manage the safe movement of the aircraft. Their job is to monitor the flight on the ground/ in the air. Their dearth will further intensify the travel disruptions.
What are the Authorities doing to avoid U.S. government shutdown flight delays?
The concerned official are on their toes to bring the airport function to a normal level. The authorities have warned that Air traffic controllers could lose jobs for calling in sick during the shutdown. The Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned controllers from taking any leave. He stated that a small fraction of Air traffic controllers are not showing up to work due to the government shutdown. The government has instructed the controllers to work during the shutdown without pay. They will receive their partial paycheck on October 14. However, the federal government will not pay the workers on October 28.
What is the reason for missing work?
The U.S. government wants controllers to work without pay (during this shutdown phase). Air traffic controllers were already complaining about their low wages. This non-payment has increased their financial burden. Most of them now work other jobs to support their families financially. The government has ensured that every essential air staff member (including the controllers) is aware of their pay. They will receive their full cheque after the shutdown.
How have the missed flights in the U.S. increased?
The shortage of air traffic controllers has caused more missed flights. More passengers are experiencing this issue because of delays. The U.S. airport cancellations have grown manifold in the last week (since the shutdown). Passengers are facing problems catching their connecting flights. We can expect the situation to get normal soon after the shutdown ends. In a normal functioning day, only 5% flights face disruptions. The shutdown has taken this figure into double digits. The next vote to end the government cessation is on October 14. Every traveler has crossed their fingers for that day.
Available Options in case of Flight Cancellations
The Air traffic controller staff shortages may lead to your flight cancellations. This recent shutdown has led to an increase in cancellations. We have shared the steps to take after a flight disruption below.
- You need to contact the Airline’s customer care number.
- Travelers should request an alternate flight. Their reason is valid because of the shutdown.
- You will get a rebooking on an alternative flight. The Airline will not charge a fee for this.
- Passengers should contact the staff promptly to obtain the desired schedule.
- Since this is not peak season, you may have multiple options.
How to get a refund for delayed flight?
Passengers should be aware of the delayed flight refund rules. It is crucial in this period. The shortage of air traffic controllers has delayed almost all the Airlines. You are allowed to receive a refund for delayed flights.
- The Airline will offer you compensation for short delays. It includes free meals/ accommodations/transportation.
- Passengers receive compensation for long flight delays. They need to request the airport staff for the same.
- Go to the airline desk at the airport/ contact them through their app.
- You can easily contact them by phone. They will offer you refund options.
- Some airlines may offer a rebooking on the next available flight or a travel credit.
The Airline may change its normal policies during this strained period. However, you will get some flexible options by having a chat with them.
What to do in case of an Airlines Missed Flight?
Passengers may face flight delays/ cancellations in this phase. Missing a flight can result in a no-show. We have shared the steps to get out of this mess below.
- Passengers need to call their Airline immediately about their missed flight. It will help them avoid the no-show rule.
- The Airline may offer them an alternative flight.
- Travelers may have to pay an extra fare based on the circumstances.
- You can additionally reach the airport counter to process your request.
- The Airline can offer a free rebooking (due to the shutdown condition).
- Airlines are not required by law to compensate you for missed flights caused by government shutdowns. However, many have flexible rebooking policies in place during this crisis.
GetHumanDesk Tip: Travelers should call our customer support at Call Us : +1-833-923-5122 to book the best available alternative flight.
Final Words
The air traffic controller shortage highlights a growing crisis. The federal financial halt has exacerbated this problem. The U.S. government shutdown continues for the second week. It has led to flight delays/ cancellations. Travelers should remain proactive while the authorities work hard to minimize disruption. We have shared every crucial information on the recent air traffic controller shortage. Passengers can also learn about the impact of the U.S. government shutdown on this page. Staying informed about your rights can reduce the chances of becoming another statistic in the wave of U.S. airport cancellations.
Contact gethumandesk.com customer support agents at Call Us : +1-833-923-5122 to avoid delays safely. We will help you with flight bookings/ cancellations/ refunds all around the clock.
You need to choose a journey with longer connection times. Travelers may also book a direct flight to avoid a missed connection. Travel insurance (that covers missed connections) is another option.
Yes. With potential slowdowns at security and longer ground delays, allow extra time beyond normal guidelines.
Yes. Airlines often offer rebooking options/ credits/ refunds on flight disruptions. It applies when service levels are disrupted due to staffing issues.
You need to check your flight status frequently. Travelers can sign up for alerts/ consider earlier or later flights/ have a backup plan.
The Air traffic controllers are taking sick leave from work (due to the government shutdown). It has led to a rise in flight delays/ cancellations.
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