Airlines warn shutdown threatens bookings as disruptions emerge | JQJO

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby warned the federal shutdown could weaken public confidence and hurt bookings if it drags on, though he said it hasn’t yet dented the carrier’s business. Delta’s Ed Bastian issued a similar caution, while noting operations remain unaffected. The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, has essential TSA officers and air traffic controllers working without pay amid FAA concerns about already thin staffing. Insufficient staffing last week disrupted flights in Nashville and Burbank, as controllers’ union members urged the public to press lawmakers to end the stalemate.