Authorities shutdown sparks dire air journey warning if it continues: ‘mass chaos’ potential

SALT LAKE CITY — The Secretary of Transportation is issuing a dire warning about air journey if the federal government shutdown continues. The nation has now reached day 35 of the shutdown, tying the longest in U.S. historical past.

At Salt Lake International Airport, operations stay clean for now. TSA brokers and air site visitors controllers are exhibiting up for work, and there have been no uncommon delays or cancellations. But officers mentioned that might change if the shutdown drags on.

“We’ve been very fortunate. Things have been running pretty good,” mentioned Treber Andersen, director of airport operations in Salt Lake City.

While Utah vacationers are seeing regular circumstances, another airports throughout the nation are experiencing lengthy traces and frustration. In Houston on Monday, some passengers reported ready practically three hours to get by TSA checkpoints.

According to the Department of Transportation, 46% of air traffic delays on Monday have been resulting from staffing points. The Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy,  warns that if the shutdown continues into subsequent week, vacationers may see main issues.

“You will see mass chaos. You will see mass flight delays. You’ll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it, because we don’t have the air traffic controllers.”

Andersen mentioned Salt Lake may finally really feel the ripple impact.

“There’s kind of a ripple effect that can start to occur,” he defined, noting considerations as the vacations and ski season method.

Travelers at Salt Lake City International Airport share related worries.

“Yeah, it’s going to impact everyday life,” mentioned Raymond Ross.

“It’s going to start getting pretty dicey here pretty quick [if shutdown continues],” one other traveler, David Mada, added.

Andersen advises anybody planning to fly throughout the shutdown to observe airline updates carefully for any adjustments or delays.