Delta CEO: Air travel should be 'close to normal' by weekend if shutdown ends today

Operational Challenges - Delta experienced over 2,000 cancellations starting last Friday due to schedule adjustments [1] - Air Traffic Control (ATC) staffing shortages significantly impacted operations over the weekend [1] - A thunderstorm in Atlanta reduced arrival rates to 20 per hour, comparable to a heavy snowstorm impact [1] - Normal arrival rates for that time of day in Atlanta are typically 80 per hour [2] Recovery and Outlook - Operations improved significantly yesterday, and today started well [2] - The company anticipates a return to normal operations by the weekend, contingent on a vote occurring tonight [2][3] - Getting people paid is a priority [3]