As the government shutdown enters its 13th day on Oct. 13, the lack of funding continues to cause shortages at air traffic control, impacting air travel nationwide.
Air traffic controllers, like their counterparts at the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), are considered “essential” workers and are required to report to their stations during government shutdowns, even without pay.
Officials have said that the existing air traffic controller shortage, compounded by controllers calling out sick during the shutdown, has caused strain on America’s aviation system, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to slow traffic to ensure safety.
Here’s what you should know about how the shutdown is affecting American air travel, and whether travelers should be concerned….