Canadian Airlines Warn Travelers of Possible U.S. Flight Cancellations
Canadians planning to fly to the United States in the coming days may face disruptions due to potential flight cancellations linked to a U.S. government shutdown.
U.S. Flight Reductions and Affected Airports
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to cut flights at 40 airports nationwide if the shutdown persists. Among the affected will be the "Core 30" high-traffic airports, including New York City's three major hubs, as well as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Additional airports that might see reductions include Anchorage (Alaska), Indianapolis, Portland (Oregon), and Ontario (California).
“Core 30” high-traffic airports will be among those impacted, an FAA source told CNN.
Impact on Flight Volumes and Workforce
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated that flight volumes will be reduced by 10%, though it remains unclear if this applies only to affected airports or nationwide.
The shutdown has caused 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers and 13,000 air traffic controllers to work without pay, affecting airport operations.
Responses from Canadian Airlines
- WestJet, Air Transat, and Flair Airlines confirmed their flights have not yet been impacted but are monitoring the situation closely.
- An Air Canada spokesperson said the airline is awaiting further details on the planned reductions.
“We are monitoring the situation and awaiting more details on the planned reductions,” said an Air Canada spokesperson.
Summary
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown threatens flight cancellations at major airports, potentially disrupting Canadian travelers flying to the United States. Airlines remain vigilant as the situation evolves.
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