Duffy says more pain to come before air traffic returns to normal

Airlines have canceled more than 7,500 flights since Friday due to weather and air traffic control shortages, but relief now appears to be in sight as more controllers report to work with news of a possible end to the government shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities eased significantly from this weekend through Tuesday, as controllers appear hopeful that a paycheck is on the way.

“Saturday, Sunday, Monday… very difficult travel days, significant cancellations and delays,” Duffy told reporters. “However, today has been a much better day. A lot more air traffic controllers are coming in. On Saturday we had 81 personnel activations. Today we have four. So I think our air traffic controllers are seeing the end of the shutdown and are feeling more hopeful.”

However, Duffy said previously announced flight reductions currently in place at 40 major airports will increase to 10% by Friday even if the lockdown ends. Duffy says the decision is based on safety data and that the restrictions will remain in place until the team sees an improvement in the data.

How soon could airline operations and schedules return to normal?

Experts say that once the Department of Transportation lifts its 10% flight reduction mandate, it will take several days for airlines to recalibrate their networks before everything completely returns to normal.

When will drivers get paid?

Duffy said controllers will receive 70% of their paychecks within 24 to 48 hours after the government shutdown ends. The remaining amount will arrive a week after the government reopens.

Duffy also warned that if the House does not vote to reopen the government, it could cause “massive disruptions” to air travel as soon as this weekend.

“If the government doesn’t open, it will slow down radically,” Duffy said. “So the House has to do its job. And by the way, I’m very hopeful. They seem to be in a good mood to go in and vote to open the government.”

What to know if your flight is canceled or delayed

Passengers are entitled to a full cash refund if the airline cancels their flight and they decide not to rebook. If the airline does not cancel the flight but a traveler decides not to fly, they are not entitled to a refund on most tickets and in many cases will only receive a flight credit.

Experts recommend booking directly with the airline, as it is easier and faster to cancel or make changes to your flight.

Another tip for travelers is to download the airline’s app to receive the fastest, most up-to-date information about your flight and fly on an early morning flight, as those flights have seen fewer disruptions. Early morning flights also provide more opportunities to rebook a flight on the same day.