US airports crippled by shutdown, thousands of flights delayed nationwide

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): The US shutdown has been ongoing for more than a month. Its effects are now clearly visible at airports. Staff shortages are leading to increasing flight delays and long security lines. The situation worsened last weekend. On Sunday alone, more than 5,000 flights were delayed across the US.

On Monday, the White House blamed Democratic leaders for the situation, saying their political politicking was causing inconvenience to ordinary people. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party said the government and the president were making false accusations. It remains unclear when the shutdown will end. In such a situation, the Transportation Administration has warned that further flights may be delayed or canceled.

Air traffic controllers are also having to work without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the financial burden on these workers is increasing, and if the situation continues, many will be forced to leave their jobs. He also pointed out that the country already has a shortage of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 controllers.

According to data from FlightAware, more than 2,530 flights were delayed and more than 60 were cancelled as of Monday afternoon. More than 2,530 flights were delayed and more than 60 were cancelled as of Monday afternoon. Major airports were the worst affected. Security checks at airports were also affected. People had to wait up to three hours in security lines. Similarly, waiting times have increased at airports in many other major cities as well.

Republicans are accusing Democrats of demanding health care for illegal immigrants, a demand Democrats deny. Democrats say they simply want to reverse cuts to health benefits already in place for American citizens.