Hundreds of flights will be canceled at the busiest airports in the US this weekend as airlines move forward Reduced air service due To the relationship Government shutdown.
So far, the government-ordered slowdown in the airline industry that began Friday has done nothing to happen Widespread disturbances.
But analysts warn that the disruptions will intensify and their impact will extend beyond air travel if cancellations increase closer to the Thanksgiving holiday.
There are already concerns about the impact on cities and businesses that rely on tourism and the possibility of shipping disruptions that could delay holiday goods reaching store shelves.
Here’s what to know about flight discounts:
First day of Federal Aviation Administration The slowdown led to the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions.
More than 700 people were on vacation Saturday, typically a slow travel day.
These numbers represent only a small portion of total flights nationwide, but are sure to rise in the coming days if the slowdown continues.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the cuts affecting all commercial airlines start at 4% of flights 40 targeted airports It will reach 10% over the next week.
Transport Minister Sean Duffy warned on Friday that additional flight reductions may be needed if the government shutdown continues and more air traffic controllers go off the job.
Air traffic controllers have been without pay for nearly a month as the shutdown continues, prompting many to call in sick and add more to what’s already there Staff shortage.
The National Association of Air Traffic Controllers said most controllers are working mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown without pay, and some are taking second jobs to pay their bills.
Most were relieved to find that airlines mostly remained on schedule on Friday, and those whose flights were canceled were able to rebook quickly.
There is still a lot of uncertainty about which flights will be canceled next.
“I don’t want to be stuck in the airport sleeping on a seat,” Michelle Cuthbert, of Columbus, Ohio, said of an upcoming flight to Dallas.
Car rental companies It reported a sharp increase in one-way bookings on Friday, and some people simply canceled the trip altogether.
First, there is the potential for higher prices in stores, since nearly half of all U.S. air freight is shipped in the bellies of passenger planes.
Large flight disruptions could lead to higher shipping costs that are passed on to consumers, said Patrick Benfield, a professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University.
More losses will ripple across the economy if the slowdown continues – from tourism to manufacturing, said Greg Rife, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group.
“This closure will affect everything from cargo planes to people attending business meetings to the ability of tourists to travel,” he said. “It’s going to hit hotel taxes and city taxes. There’s a ripple effect that comes from this thing.”
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Associated Press journalists Paul Weissman in Washington; Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska; Matt Sedensky in New York; Contribute.