Cynics may see this as a box-ticking exercise to retain Heathrow slots and claim a technical 2025 launch, but Riyadh Air insists it is a phased strategy to ensure a smoother commercial debut.
Airports across the country started reporting delays as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there had been a “slight tick up” in sick calls among air traffic controllers.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he is concerned that absenteeism among air traffic controllers could increase if they miss their paycheck next week.
Currently the impact to travel is minimal, but if the shutdown stretches for weeks, travelers may start to see long lines at the airport, flight delays, and litter all over national parks.
Frontier CEO Barry Biffle pressed Senators to "level the playing field" for ultra-low-cost carriers as several lawmakers expressed alarm about industry consolidation squeezing out ultra-low-cost carriers.
The airline industry said that there could be a slowdown in operations if the government shuts down. However, it so far seems unlikely that Congress will have a deal before midnight.
The impact of a government shutdown on travel is unclear this time around, given the possibility of mass layoffs. It is also unclear how long a shutdown would last.
The startup carrier is planning to fly to Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, some of the most popular leisure destinations for U.S. travelers.