Khaberni - Travelers in the United States face more flight delays and cancellations as Transportation Secretary Sean Davy warned that the continued government shutdown could lead to a halt in air traffic before Thanksgiving.
The Senate passed a bill on Monday to reopen the government, while Davy urged the House of Representatives to expedite its passage.
His statements came after the Federal Aviation Administration issued a decision compelling airlines to cut 6% of their flights at 40 major airports on Tuesday, with the percentage increasing to 10% by Friday.
Many air traffic controllers are currently working without pay, causing weeks of disruptions in flights, as some employees have taken sick leave.
However, Davy clarified during a press conference held on Tuesday that the situation is starting to improve, noting that "a greater number of air traffic controllers" have returned to work as they "feel hopeful about the impending end of the government shutdown."
Davy said during a press briefing held at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago that transportation officials noted four cases of crew shortages on Tuesday, compared to 53 cases on Sunday and 81 cases on Saturday, indicating a relative improvement in the situation.
According to the flight tracking site FlightAware, more than 1,700 flights arriving or departing from the United States were canceled, and more than 3,000 flights were delayed until Tuesday evening.
Davy confirmed that air traffic controllers will receive 70% of their salaries within 24 to 48 hours after the government reopens, but he warned that air travel "will slow down significantly" if the House does not pass the legislation needed to end the shutdown.
The minister said: "We may reach a point where airlines must make difficult decisions. Will they continue to fly? If the shutdown is not ended, some companies might say: We will keep our planes grounded and will not take off again. This is how serious the situation is."
He added, warning: "If the House does not pass this bill, what we have experienced over the weekend will just be the beginning. The coming days will be much worse than what we have seen so far."
