Problems in Airports Arise as Shutdown Continues

Andrew Hackworth, Editor-in-Chief|January 25, 2019

As we enter day thirty-four of the government shutdown, government workers and citizens alike are beginning to feel the effects.

The most immediate issue being faced by Americans amidst the shutdown can be found in the airport. Many airport employs have called out sick, while those who continue to work are starting to feel the pressure of working without pay. This week marks the second paycheck missed by furloughed employees.

Lack of personnel has led to flight delays at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport. Flyers are being faced with delays that average to over an hour.

In a statement on Twitter, the Federal Aviation Administration said, “We have experienced a slight increase in sick leave at two facilities. We’ve mitigated the impact by augmenting staffing, rerouting traffic, and increasing spacing between aircraft when needed. The results have been minimal impacts to efficiency while maintaining consistent levels of safety in the national airspace system.”

With no clear end to the shutdown in sight, federal workers are becoming more desperate for a solution.

“Do we have your attention now, Leader McConnell? All lawmakers? Open the government and then get back to the business of democracy to discuss whatever issue you so choose. This shutdown must end immediately,” said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders issued a statement in response to the delays.

“The president has been briefed and we are monitoring the ongoing delays at some airports. We are in regular contact with officials at the Department of Transportation and the FAA,” said Sanders.

Sources:
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/25/shutdown-flight-delays-1125449

https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2019/01/23/how-are-government-workers-affected-by-the-shutdown/#66a29db19ee3

https://www.npr.org/2019/01/25/688660390/flights-delayed-at-laguardia-newark-airports-as-workers-call-in-sick-amid-shutdo