The government shutdown that began on Wednesday is expected to have limited immediate effect on air travel. But it could become more disruptive to travelers and the travel industry the longer it lasts.
Air traffic controllers who guide planes across American skies and Transportation Security Administration staff members who screen travelers at airports will continue to work during the shutdown, but they will be paid only once it ends. Other activities that will continue include hiring and training of air traffic controllers, on-call accident investigations and safety oversight, according to the Transportation Department’s contingency plans.
Still, about a quarter of the nearly 45,000 people who work at the Federal Aviation Administration are being furloughed. That means that many services will be put on hold, including aviation rule making, some air traffic safety oversight, air traffic performance analysis and other activities. The shutdown could also delay safety initiatives and repair work on important air traffic equipment, according to a letter sent to congressional leaders this week by groups that represent airlines, aviation workers and consumers.
During the most recent and longest-ever government shutdown, which began in late 2018, many demoralized T.S.A. agents and air traffic controllers called in sick or did not show up to work, wreaking havoc on air travel. At one point, the shutdown was blamed for delays at major airports up and down the East Coast.
Even short shutdowns can have lingering consequences, Capt. Jody Reven, the president of the union that represents pilots at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement.
“A government shutdown puts the integrity of the world’s safest aviation system at risk,” Capt. Reven said. “Past shutdowns have led to staffing shortages and avoidable safety challenges — consequences we cannot afford to repeat.”
Niraj Chokshi is a Times reporter who writes about aviation, rail and other transportation industries.
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