ORLANDO, Fla. – Billy Kubarewicz has endured an exhausting day, having arrived at the airport at the crack of dawn, 5 a.m. to be precise.
“It’s been relentless. Just one delay after another,” he expressed with frustration.
His journey back to New Jersey has been repeatedly postponed, mirroring the setbacks he faced on his flight to Orlando.
“Thursday was a complete loss,” Kubarewicz recounted. “We were scheduled to land at 8 a.m., but didn’t touch down until 5 p.m.”
As the clock neared 9 p.m., a line of at least two dozen aircraft awaited departure on the taxiway. Passengers on one flight were informed they were 20th in queue, facing an hour’s wait due to staffing shortages in the air traffic control tower.
“It’s a dire situation,” Kubarewicz remarked. “I can’t fault those choosing not to come to work. Why would anyone if they’re not receiving their paycheck?”
Orlando International Airport officials confirmed they’ve cut around 130 flights since Friday to align with the FAA’s plan, all due to the shutdown.
“We have family whose flight was canceled for tomorrow, so they’re impacted as well,” said Nicoletta Roeble. “It’s just a really frustrating, kind of helpless situation.”
But relief could be coming soon—reports say the Senate is closing in on a deal to end the shutdown. Passengers like Bill Wilson and Nicoletta Roeble hope it happens before the holidays.
“That would relieve the anxiety that people have,” Wilson said. “Especially if you already have anxiety about travel and getting to your gate on time.”
Orlando International said 41 flights are being canceled Sunday. Those flights are determined by the airlines.
If you are traveling, contact your airline for more information.
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