‘The situation appears to be deteriorating:’ O’Hare is back to normal but for how long amid shutdown?
It was business as usual Wednesday at O’Hare International Airport, but concerns remain about a repeat of the Federal Aviation Administration’s ground delay issued Tuesday evening.
Problems have erupted at a number of airports across the U.S. amid the government shutdown and a slight increase in sick calls from air traffic controllers, authorities said.
“Normal operations continue Wednesday at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports,” the Chicago Department of Aviation stated. “While several dozen delays have been reported over the past 24 hours, more than 3,100 aircraft took off or landed safely at Chicago’s airports on Tuesday, which is consistent with regular daily activity.
“The CDA remains in regular communication with officials from the FAA regarding potential impacts of the federal government shutdown. As of noon Wednesday, there are no operational disruptions at either airport.”
The issues could continue, DePaul University transportation expert and Professor Joseph Schwieterman predicts. Many government employees will not be paid during the shutdown.
O’Hare “travelers felt the pain of shortages of air traffic controllers,” he said. “Thankfully, the number of cancellations were few, but the delays became pretty severe.
“I wish I could say things are going to get better, but the situation appears to be deteriorating. The stress being felt by air traffic controller staff is likely growing as they continue their work amid continuing manpower shortages,” Schwieterman noted.
Other facilities, including Denver International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport in California and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, have been hit with related delays this week.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed staffing Monday during a briefing at Newark.
“Have we had a slight tick up in sick calls? Yes, and then you’ll see delays that come from that. I want to see your flight not to be delayed. I don’t want you canceled but our priorities are safety,” Duffy said.
“If we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people,” Duffy said.
He noted the shutdown put extra stress on controllers. “They’re thinking … ‘how am I going to pay my mortgage?’”
Also present was National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels, who said he was representing “the dedicated American worker who operates the national airspace system and ensures the safety of over 3 million passengers and tons of cargo each and every day.
“We do not have time to waste on the unnecessary distractions created by this shutdown.”
The CDA advised travelers Wednesday to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport.