New York, Nov 9, (dpa/GNA) – The US federal government shutdown is increasingly disrupting air travel, with more than 1,000 flights cancelled and around 4,400 delayed nationwide by Saturday afternoon, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.
The worst disruptions were reported at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, followed by Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, a major gateway for travellers heading to New York City.
The shutdown, now in its 39th day and the longest in US history, stems from a budget impasse between Democrats and Republicans in Congress, centred on health care spending.
The failure to pass a budget has largely halted regular government operations, leaving many federal employees, including air traffic controllers, working without pay and putting pressure on food assistance programmes for low-income households.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun scaling back flight operations by about 4%, with reductions potentially reaching 10% by mid-month.
Nearly 1,000 flights were already cancelled on Friday, and airports have reported long lines and delays despite the lower passenger volumes typical of the off-season.
Republicans and Democrats continue to blame each other for the crisis, each accusing the other of allowing the public to suffer for political gain.
GNA