MANHATTAN (KSNT) – National flight delays caused by an ongoing government shutdown may have an impact on air travel in and out of Kansas this year.
Flight delays are being reported across the nation in the shadow of the government shutdown that started earlier in October. Part of the problem comes from an increase in air traffic controllers who are calling in sick, according to reporting from The Hill.
We got in touch with Brandon Keazer, airport director at Manhattan Regional Airport, to find out if the shutdown is having any noticeable impact on the services offered there. He said the short answer is “no” and the airport is still functioning normally despite the issues being seen elsewhere.
“Our flights continue to go in and out, but as things progress with the shutdown it’s hard to say how the larger hubs will be impacted and how that will impact the Manhattan Regional Airport,” Keazer said.
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Keazer said Manhattan Regional Airport could eventually experience a “ripple effect” caused by the problems being reported at airports in major cities like Chicago and Philadelphia. However, he said this hasn’t been seen yet locally and services are still moving forward for air travelers in and out of the Little Apple.
Transportation Security Administration staff at the airport are also continuing to show up for work despite being in a non-pay status. Keazer said air traffic controllers are also showing up to help keep things running smoothly at the airport.
“No air traffic control delays,” Keazer said. “Our folks continue to show up on time.”
Manhattan Regional Airport maintains daily flights into and out of Manhattan to the cities of Dallas and Chicago through American Airlines. You can learn more about the flight services offered at Manhattan Regional Airport and track flights by heading to its website.
The current government shutdown has resulted in many federal employees being furloughed or placed in non-pay status. Personnel and staff with the Kansas National Guard, Fort Riley Army Post and other organizations are being impacted by the shutdown.
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