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Flight delays today: Air travel headaches continue as government shutdown enters its third week
U.S. travelers experienced significant travel disruptions over a recent holiday weekend. A combination of severe weather and the ongoing government shutdown contributed to widespread flight delays and cancellations. FlightAware reported nearly 30,000 delays in, within, and out of U.S. airports from Sunday to Monday. The government shutdown, now entering its third week, has exacerbated these issues. Airlines for America had previously warned of potential air traffic controller shortages due to the shutdown. Bad weather, including a nor'easter along the East Coast, caused further problems. Major Northeast airports like JFK and Newark experienced significant delays. While early Tuesday morning showed fewer disruptions, numbers were rapidly increasing. The political impasse in Washington continues, with disputes over issues like Affordable Care Act tax credits. The prolonged shutdown is expected to have lasting impacts on travelers and potentially healthcare costs.