EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — As the government shutdown continues, travelers across the country are facing longer lines and flight delays at some of the nation’s busiest airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to reduce flights at 40 airports nationwide starting Friday because of ongoing staffing shortages. Major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Tampa, Dallas and Houston are among those expected to be impacted.
Federal employees, including TSA agents and air traffic controllers, continue to report to work but are doing so without pay, leading to callouts and longer wait times in some locations.
According to FlightAware, a real-time flight tracking website, dozens of flights were delayed Thursday across major Texas airports, while El Paso International Airport was not listed among those with significant delays.
The El Paso International Airport says it’s waiting on further guidance on how the FFA will manage air traffic in West Texas if the federal government shutdown continues.
In a statement sent to KTSM, the airport says in part:
“At this time, air travel operations remain normal thanks to essential federal employees who continue to report to work without pay. Airport officials remain in close communication with federal agencies and partner airlines and will continue to monitor for any government directives that may impact flights.”
Daniel Armbruster, a spokesperson for AAA Texas and New Mexico, said travelers should stay in contact with their airlines and plan for extra time at the airport as the situation develops.
“Stay in touch with your airline. Download the airline app. That’s really important. Make sure you stay up to date,” Armbruster said. “Look ahead of time to see how long those TSA lines are at your airport. Make sure that you get to the airport at least two hours before your flight. If you’re traveling domestically, if you’re traveling internationally, three hours is recommended by AAA.”
Armbruster added that even passengers departing from smaller airports, like El Paso, could still be affected by ripple effects from delays or cancellations at major hubs.
AAA recommends travelers book earlier flights, keep a backup plan in case of cancellations, and pack their patience as the busy Thanksgiving travel period approaches.
For the latest updates, airport hours, parking details, and additional services, visit FlyELP.com.
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