Government shutdown sparks dire air travel warning if it continues: 'mass chaos' possible

SALT LAKE CITY — The Secretary of Transportation is issuing a dire warning about air travel if the government shutdown continues. The nation has now reached day 35 of the shutdown, tying the longest in U.S. history. At Salt Lake International Airport, operations remain smooth for now. TSA agents and air traffic controllers are showing up for work, and there have been no unusual delays or cancellations. But officials said that could change if the shutdown drags on. “We’ve been very fortunate. Things have been running pretty good,” said Treber Andersen, director of airport operations in Salt Lake City. While Utah travelers are seeing normal conditions, some other airports across the country are experiencing long lines and frustration. In Houston on Monday, some passengers reported waiting nearly three hours to get through TSA checkpoints. According to the Department of Transportation, 46% of air traffic delays on Monday were due to staffing issues. The Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy,  warns that if the shutdown continues into next week, travelers could see major problems. "You will see mass chaos. You will see mass flight delays. You'll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it, because we don't have the air traffic controllers." Andersen said Salt Lake could eventually feel the ripple effect. “There’s kind of a ripple effect that can start to occur,” he explained, noting concerns as the holidays and ski season approach. Travelers at Salt Lake City International Airport share similar worries. “Yeah, it’s going to impact everyday life,” said Raymond Ross. “It’s going to start getting pretty dicey here pretty quick [if shutdown continues],” another traveler, David Mada, added. Andersen advises anyone planning to fly during the shutdown to monitor airline updates closely for any changes or delays.

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