Some flights in and out of El Paso are likely to be canceled in coming days because of impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, but city officials say they’re awaiting more information on the extent of travel disruptions.
“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,” said Tammy Fonce, a spokesperson for El Paso International Airport.
The Trump administration has ordered a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports starting Friday. El Paso International Airport is not on the list, but a number of airports on the list are major destination points or hubs for El Paso travelers, including airports in the Dallas and Houston areas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver and Los Angeles.
In a statement, United CEO Scott Kirby said the flights most likely to be impacted are those between a major hub and a regional airport, such as EPIA.
“United’s long-haul international flying and our hub-to-hub flying will not be impacted by this schedule reduction direction from the FAA. That’s important to maintain the integrity of our network, give impacted customers as many options as possible to resume their trip, and sustain our crew pairing systems,” Kirby said.
“Instead, we will focus our schedule reductions on regional flying and domestic mainline flights that do not travel between our hubs.”
Administration officials said the flight reductions are necessary because of strains placed on air traffic controllers, who are working without pay as a result of the government shutdown that began Oct. 1.
Fonce said passengers should check with their airlines for the latest flight information, visit TSA.gov to review prohibited items and identification requirements, and arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure to allow enough time for check-in, security screening and boarding.
The major airlines serving El Paso are offering flexibility for people who plan to fly over the next week or so.
Southwest Airlines, which handles the highest number of passengers at El Paso International Airport, said it will allow passengers traveling through Nov. 12 to adjust their plans at no cost, or to cancel for a full refund.
American Airlines said it will waive fees for changing reservations through Nov. 14 on flights passing through one of the 40 airports on the federal list. All American flights from EPIA go through an airport on the list.
United Airlines is offering similar relief through Nov. 13, and Delta Airlines through Nov. 16.
Officials have said 4% of flights will be reduced at the 40 major airports starting Friday, ramping up to 10% of flights by next week if Democrats and Republicans don’t agree on a plan to reopen the government.
The ongoing government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history.
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