Government shutdown in the US exacerbates problems in air traffic

Donald Trump's federal government has been without funding in the US for nine days now, causing problems in tourism and air travel.

Many travelers are beginning to cancel their trips or avoid airports until Congress can reach an agreement on resuming federal government funding.

Key personnel such as air traffic controllers and security personnel are having to work without pay because the government cannot pay their salaries.

Almost 12,000 flight delays and around 200 canceled arrivals between October 6 and 8 were partly caused by staff shortages at airports.

CNN expects the situation to worsen as the government shutdown continues.

Travel agencies and tourists are concerned about the situation, which is affecting plans for the upcoming holiday weekend and Christmas vacation. Some travelers are already canceling vacations and considering whether to fly at all.

The overall impact of the federal government's funding shutdown could lead to a decline in tourism, especially from abroad, with Reuters already expecting the US to see a 6.3 percent drop in tourist spending this year.

(reuters, sie)