Missouri airports provide updates on government shutdown impacts
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The federal government has been shut down for more than a week, which means essential workers like TSA agents, National Weather Service employees and air traffic controllers are still on the job, but without pay.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, multiple reports indicated some air traffic control rooms were forced to close due to staffing issues, leading to flight delays.
CNN reported operations in Nashville were shut down for up to five hours after an increased number of controllers called out sick. The Memphis Regional Air Route Traffic Control Center helped manage the situation.
Sean Northern, a chief private pilot, explained what that can mean for everyday flying and planning.
"Our objective is to go to Austin, Texas, but if we can't get into Austin, Texas, for whatever reason, we always plan for a backup."
Delays can occur for a variety of reasons, including weather, low ceilings, computer issues and airplane maintenance. The FAA does maintain an active website showing which airports are experiencing delays and the reasons behind them.
Statewide and regionally, there have been no reports of delays due to air traffic controller staffing.
Mike Parks, the airport manager of Columbia Regional Airport (COU), said on Wednesday, Oct. 8, that operations there remain normal.
"Currently, we have flights out of Columbia that go to Chicago, Dallas and Denver," Parks said. "At this point in time, we have not seen any impacts, locally for our flights out of Columbia."
Kansas City International Airport (KMCI) also reports it has not experienced any disruptions.
Kansas City Public Information Officer Jackson Overstreet provided a statement on Tuesday, Oct. 8, regarding operations at KMCI.
"Aviation staff are committed to ensuring the continued safety of any passengers that fly through during the shutdown's duration. Aviation leadership are in conversation with federal partners over staffing and how that may impact air travel," Overstreet said in a statement. "So far, the FAA has not expressed concerns with employees not showing up for work, but due to unknown length of the shutdown, MCI is preparing for any possibilities."
According to the statement, KMCI and the Kansas City Downtown Airport are currently not experiencing any impacts on day-to-day operations. Travelers are encouraged to monitor flight statuses on the airline's website or www.flykc.com.
Those taking a flight are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.
During the government shutdown, AAA officials recommend arriving even earlier.
“...You may want to extend that out to maybe, you know, three or four hours before domestic flights,” said Nick Chabarria, public affairs senior specialist for AAA.
If the government shutdown continues, there could be growing impacts for both travelers and those who work in the aviation industry.
