TAMPA, Fla. — Travelers at Tampa International Airport are bracing for potential flight disruptions as the Federal Aviation Administration warns of possible 10% flight reductions at major airports nationwide due to ongoing government shutdown impacts.
The FAA has indicated that up to 40 high-volume markets could see reduced air traffic, with Tampa potentially facing up to 60 flight cancellations daily. However, the airport is still awaiting official confirmation of how these reductions will specifically affect TPA operations.
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"The lines were crazy. They're crazy. But people were nice. Nobody was pushing and shoving," said Curlin Beck, a traveler who flew from Houston to Tampa. Beck woke up at 3 a.m. and arrived at the airport by 4:30 a.m. to ensure he made his 9 a.m. flight.
Beck advised fellow travelers to prepare extensively for potential delays.
"I would say, get there about least two and a half hours before. And you'll go through smooth," Beck said. "Just got to plan, plan, plan, be there early, early, early, and you should be fine."
The government shutdown has left many airport workers operating without pay, creating additional stress during an already challenging travel period. Despite these circumstances, travelers reported that airport staff maintained professionalism and helpfulness.
"They're doing the over and above. So they're going the extra mile," Beck said. "They know it's not them. So they're doing it for the people that had to fly and everything."
Airport workers described the mounting pressure they face during the shutdown period.
"Whenever we get delays we definitely feel it a lot more, like especially with everything going on, government shutdowns ATF, like everything. So we definitely feel that a lot more," one worker said.
The workers noted that delays create waves of frustrated passengers, but they work to maintain positive attitudes despite the challenging circumstances.
"People they get frustrated, but that's why we're there to give them that pick me up," they said.
Traveler Blake Doyle expressed concern about the broader economic impact of potential flight disruptions.
"I think Tampa is certainly a very important hub. Any disruption to traffic is going to affect the economy," Doyle said. "Very concerned that people aren't getting paid and really need reliable air transit."
Doyle has flights scheduled for next week and is monitoring the situation closely, though he has not yet developed contingency plans.
"If it lingers much beyond the weekend and into next week, the shutdown is going to persist, and starting it back up is going to take much longer," Doyle said.
Tampa International Airport issued a statement confirming it is monitoring developments but has not received specific details about how the FAA's reduction plan will affect TPA operations. The airport handles approximately 600 daily flight operations and ranks as the 27th largest airport in the United States.
The airport emphasized that airlines manage flight schedules and will coordinate any changes with the FAA. Passengers are advised to check directly with their carriers regarding flight status.
As the holiday travel season approaches, the potential for extended delays raises concerns for families trying to reach destinations for celebrations or emergencies.
"Who wants to have a delay on Christmas? You're supposed to be with your family, or knowing that your family member is passing away, and you're trying to get to them, and there's a delay," another said.
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