Will your Idaho Falls flight be canceled or delayed?
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IDAHO FALLS — With the government shutdown threatening mass flight cancellations and delays, what can locals expect for their upcoming travel plans?
According to Kimberly Felker, spokeswoman for the City of Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls Regional Airport is not currently expecting mass flight changes – but this could change.
“While the FAA has announced potential nationwide reductions, it’s not yet known if local flights will be impacted later,” says Felker. “We encourage travelers to monitor their airline and flight status closely for any updates and to continue arriving early for their flights, as schedules and staffing may change with little notice.”
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During what is officially the longest government shutdown in U.S. history at 37 days, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday they will reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major airports across the country.
“Airlines remain the best source for real-time information on schedule changes, delays, or cancellations,” says Felker. “This is an evolving situation, and while flight decisions are made by the airlines and FAA, we’ll continue to stay attentive to any potential impacts here in Idaho Falls.”
According to ABC News, The decision could cut thousands of flights per day, reports ABC News, and could effect many International Airports including ones used often by eastern Idahoans like Salt Lake City International, Denver International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Washington Dulles International, Portland International, Las Vegas Harry Reid International, and Los Angeles International.
As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are expected to travel by car and plane for winter plans, causing many to wonder if they will be able to reach their destinations.
AP News reports that thousands of flights could be cut or delayed nationwide, as the FAA directs more than 44,000 flights daily, including commercial passenger flights, cargo planes and private aircraft.
“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference Wednesday morning.
Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1, according to AP and most have been on duty six days a week while putting in mandatory overtime.
Local TSA agents have even been living off of food and grocery donations, as the City of Idaho Falls encouraged residents on Oct. 20 to donate items to the federal workers in our area.