House Votes Today to End Shutdown Amid Air Travel Disruptions

UPDATE: The House of Representatives is poised to vote this afternoon on a critical funding bill aimed at ending the government shutdown that is wreaking havoc on air travel across the United States. As lawmakers debate the fate of federal funding, thousands of travelers are feeling the immediate impacts at airports nationwide.

As of early Wednesday, LaGuardia Airport reported 4% of flights canceled, along with Newark Airport at 4%, and John F. Kennedy Airport at 2%. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that while commercial aviation has largely continued to operate, significant disruptions are imminent if a resolution is not reached soon.

Duffy warned, “I think we would see that significant disruption coming this next weekend, maybe as early as Friday.” He emphasized that if the shutdown persists, airlines could be forced to ground their planes entirely. “We’re going to have airlines that make a serious calculation about whether they continue to fly full stop,” he stated.

The situation is urgent: nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits find themselves in limbo, and federal workers are missing paychecks. Duffy confirmed that air traffic controllers would receive payment within 24 to 48 hours after the government reopens, but he also mentioned that the FAA is currently enforcing a 6% flight reduction, which is anticipated to rise to 10% by Friday.

Travelers should be prepared for ongoing delays and cancellations, as Duffy noted that “it may take several days for flight operations to return to normal” even after the shutdown ends. The Department of Transportation is also investigating air traffic controllers who failed to report for duty during this crisis.

With the clock ticking, the House vote will be pivotal in determining the future of air travel and the livelihoods of millions. The next few days are critical, and travelers are urged to stay informed about potential changes to their flights.

As the vote approaches, the nation watches closely—will lawmakers act swiftly to avert a full-blown travel crisis? The impacts of the shutdown are being felt immediately, and the stakes are higher than ever.