Government shutdown cripples operations at 40 US airports, here’s the list

As the longest ever US Government shutdown continues, its effects are starting to show up more and more in our everyday lives. With the shutdown lingering on, the government will eventually be facing shortages on several operational fronts, be it airport security or air traffic control. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy shared a list of 40 airports that will be impacted starting today, with reductions reaching 10% by Nov 14.

Government Shutdown hits 40 Airports

As per the New York Times, several workers in key functions have already been pulling multiple shifts. However, given that they’re not being paid any more, even critical functions like air traffic control are coming to a standstill. Airlines are already making amends by cutting flights, which is going to sow further confusion amongst travelers ahead of a busy holiday season.

The list was curated to alleviate strain on air traffic controllers in areas that have had problems with absences. Most controllers were already pulling overtime shifts to make up for severe staffing shortages even before the shutdown, and since the start of the federal budget freeze, they have been forced to work without pay.

Airport List

The FAA has divided the list of 40 airports into two parts.

Here’s the list of their core 30 airports:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Boston Logan International Airport

• Baltimore-Washington International Airport

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

• Denver International Airport

• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

• Newark Liberty International Airport

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu

• Washington Dulles International Airport

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston

• John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York

• Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas

• Los Angeles International Airport

• LaGuardia Airport in New York

• Orlando International Airport

• Chicago Midway Airport

• Memphis International Airport

• Miami International Airport

• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport

• Philadelphia International Airport

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

• San Diego International Airport

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

• San Francisco International Airport

• Salt Lake City International Airport

• Tampa International Airport

The second list of 10 airports primarily focuses on cargo hubs and midsize commercial airports.

• Anchorage International Airport

• Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport

• Dallas Love Field

• William P. Hobby Airport in Houston

• Indianapolis International Airport

• Louisville International Airport

• Oakland International Airport

• Ontario International Airport in California

• Portland International Airport

• Teterboro Airport in New Jersey

The Pundit’s Mantra

This couldn’t have happened at a worse time, just ahead of the holiday season. If you’re planning to travel in the next few weeks, then please make sure that you’re subscribed to notifications and closely monitor updates from your carrier.

If your dates are flexible, then you can probably make changes as airlines are more likely to give you more leeway to make changes at the moment instead of later.

How do you plan to navigate the uncertainty with irregular airport operations ahead of a busy holiday travel season? Tell us in the comments section.

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