CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Central Florida’s bustling travel hubs, from airports to seaports, serve as vital gateways for vacationers embarking on cruises from Port Canaveral. Many travelers flying into the area via Orlando International Airport now face concerns about timely returns home.
On Friday, Cape Canaveral Community Correspondent James Sparvero spoke with visitors from Louisiana and Connecticut who are experiencing heightened travel anxiety. The ongoing government shutdown, coupled with new flight restrictions, has cast a shadow over their vacation experiences.
Mary McGrath expressed significant worry, admitting that the situation has been affecting her sleep. “My brother even told me I’m gonna start losing sleep over it,” she shared.
[WATCH: Flight cancellations mount at Orlando International Airport amid government shutdown impacts]
Don Banks echoed similar sentiments, noting that the current national situation makes it challenging to unwind and fully enjoy his trip.
Don Banks said the situation the country is in makes it harder to enjoy his vacation and relax.
“I want the government to be open,” he said. “I want businesses to be open. I want to be able to go to and from.”
Thursday, the FAA warned rocket launches would be affected by fewer flights at airports too, and now, we know exactly what the agency meant.
As the Space Coast eyes another record for total launches in a year, now, the FAA says launches won’t be happening during the day.
[WATCH: Travel impacts of government shutdown to reach spaceflights, FAA warns]
For the time being, the FAA said commercial launches will only take place while most people are sleeping – from 10 at night to 6 in the morning.
“It’s frustrating as a congressman from this area, when we’re seeing this incredible boon in our space industry, to see us not working at 100 percent,” said Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Brevard County.
When the shutdown started, Haridopolos said NASA’s crewed Artemis II moon mission would not be impacted.
Even more than 30 days later, as the shutdown’s still not over, Haridopolos Friday said that hasn’t changed.
“We are still on target for the February launch for Artemis II, the first time we’ll go around the moon since 1972,” he said. “But what I’m still concerned about, and is the reason why I voted to keep the government open, is this isn’t just about space, it’s about all travel.”
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