Airlines warn flight cancellations will continue even after shutdown

Airlines warned late Monday that flight disruptions that have marred air travel for millions of people in recent weeks could continue even after the government shutdown ends.

The Senate sent to the House for a vote Monday night a bill that could end the longest federal government shutdown in history.

The vote comes as staffing shortages of air traffic controllers, who have been forced to work without regular wages during the shutdown, have seen thousands of flights delayed or canceled as problems worsen in recent days.

Airlines for America, a lobbying group for airlines, said more than 5 million passengers have been affected by airline staffing issues since the shutdown began Oct. 1. Delta Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlineshe said late Monday. The disruptions have led some travelers to seek alternatives, from buses to rental cars and even private jets.

Last Friday, the Trump administration began demanding that commercial airlines cut 4% of domestic flights at 40 busy U.S. airports, citing officials as blaming air traffic controllers for the shortage; Bigger cuts are on the way.

But even if the House passes the bill to fund the federal government through January, it will take time for airlines to readjust.

“Airlines’ reduced flight schedules cannot immediately return to full capacity following the government reopening,” Airlines for America said in a statement. he said. “It will take time, and lasting effects will last for days. With the Thanksgiving travel season starting next week and the busy shipping season approaching, now is the time for Americans to take action to help mitigate further impacts.”

With just over two weeks until the holiday, record numbers of travelers are expected during the Thanksgiving season, aviation groups said.