The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a government shutdown plan that would furlough more than 10,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers, raising the risk of North American travel disruptions just three months after the last shutdown caused widespread flight cancellations and delays.
The plan also states that 13,835 air traffic controllers would continue working without pay during the partial government shutdown.
On Friday (30JAN), the Senate approved a short-term funding measure for the Department of Homeland Security. However, funding for other agencies, including DOT, remains paused as negotiators work out Democratic demands, such as requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras.
Lawmakers say a prolonged shutdown is unlikely, but agencies like DOT will still face at least a temporary funding lapse.
“Portions of DOT are affected by a lapse in appropriations," reads a notice at the top of its website. "Website information may be outdated, transactions may be delayed, and inquiries may not be answered until funding is restored."
Last year’s 43-day US government shutdown—the longest in history, with an estimated $7 billion economic cost—left North American air travel under strain. The FAA ordered airlines to reduce flights by up to 10% at 40 major airports, causing more than 4,500 cancellations in early November.
Canadian airlines responded by offering flexible rebooking and change policies, as reported by Open Jaw.
