A U.S. government shutdown could cost the travel industry $1 billion per week, disrupt holiday travel, and lead to longer airport wait times, warns the U.S. Travel Association.
A partial government shutdown could cost the U.S. travel industry $1 billion per week and lead to widespread disruptions for travelers, a trade group representing airlines, hotels and other travel companies said on Friday.
"A prolonged government shutdown threatens holiday travel disruptions that Americans won’t tolerate," said U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman. On Thursday, the head of the Transportation Security Administration warned an extended partial U.S. government shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports.
TSA expects to screen a record 40 million passengers over the holidays after setting records over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Fitch Ratings said on Friday that a shutdown "could also cause non-material operational disruptions at airports with non-essential FAA and TSA worker furloughed."
TSA, which handles airport security screening, said about 59,000 of its 62,000 employees are considered essential and would continue working without pay in the event of a shutdown that would begin on Saturday unless the government reaches a funding deal.
Air traffic controllers and TSA officers are among the government workers who would be required to keep working but would not be paid.
"It’s hard to see how anyone in Congress wins if they force TSA workers, air traffic controllers, and other essential employees to work without pay during one of the busiest travel periods of the year," said Freeman of the travel association whose members include United Airlines, Marriott, American Airlines and Hertz
The group said a survey found 60% of Americans would consider altering their travel plans if a government shutdown occurs, with many choosing to cancel or avoid flights altogether.
Without a deal, the Federal Aviation Administration estimated it would have to furlough more than 17,000 employees and halt training of air traffic controllers.
In 2019, during a 35-day shutdown, the number of absences by controllers and TSA officers rose as workers missed paychecks, extending checkpoint wait times at some airports. The FAA was forced to slow air traffic in New York, putting pressure on lawmakers to finally end the standoff.
Federal prosecutors are seeking a 15-year prison sentence for former Senator Bob Menendez, convicted of corruption charges, including taking bribes and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt while leading the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The United States National Weather Service warns that lingering dry weather and strong winds in Southern California will hinder efforts to contain the catastrophic wildfires.
United State's president-elect Donald Trump's criminal sentencing is set to take place on Friday. This comes after the Supreme Court rejected Trump's last-ditch effort to delay his sentencing.
South American migrants are rushing to the U.S.-Mexico border, hoping to secure entry before Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration brings tougher immigration policies.
Amid growing global attention on Greenland’s sovereignty, residents and leaders of the Arctic island have firmly rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's remarks about potentially using military or economic measures to control the territory.
North Korea launched multiple short-range missiles on Tuesday, which landed outside Japan's waters, with no reports of damage or casualties, according to Japan's government.
A devastating mudslide at a jade mine in Myanmar has engulfed homes, with dozens feared dead and rescue teams continuing to search through the debris.
Southern California is battling devastating wildfires that have claimed 24 lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and triggered mass evacuations. Amid the chaos, a surge in looting and criminal activity is straining communities and law enforcement efforts.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Kyushu, southern Japan, prompting tsunami advisories for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. A 20-centimetre tsunami reached Miyazaki city, but no issues were reported at nearby nuclear power plants. Links to the Nankai Trough are under investigation.
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry is working with Eritrean authorities to secure the release of 18 Azerbaijani citizens detained after their vessels entered Eritrean waters on November 7, 2024, due to severe weather. The crew faces charges of unauthorized entry.
In a landmark move announced by President Akufo-Addo, Ghana has eliminated visa requirements for all African passport holders effective January 1, 2025, becoming the fifth African nation to adopt this open-door policy after Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia and Benin.
Türkiye's tourism industry seeks opportunities to diversify its offerings. The country well known for summer resorts now tries to make a name for itself as a unique place to visit during the winter holidays.
Venezuela’s tourism projects risk harming fragile ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangroves, amid criticism of inadequate regulations and environmental oversight.
China will expand its visa-free policy to include Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, and other nations from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025. The country will also extend the visa-free stay period for all 38 participating countries from 15 to 30 days to boost tourism and trade.
North Korea launched multiple short-range missiles on Tuesday, which landed outside Japan's waters, with no reports of damage or casualties, according to Japan's government.
A devastating mudslide at a jade mine in Myanmar has engulfed homes, with dozens feared dead and rescue teams continuing to search through the debris.
Southern California is battling devastating wildfires that have claimed 24 lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and triggered mass evacuations. Amid the chaos, a surge in looting and criminal activity is straining communities and law enforcement efforts.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Kyushu, southern Japan, prompting tsunami advisories for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. A 20-centimetre tsunami reached Miyazaki city, but no issues were reported at nearby nuclear power plants. Links to the Nankai Trough are under investigation.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment