Government Shutdown Impact on Air Travel - Government shutdown led to over 8,000 flight delays nationwide [1] - Air traffic controller staffing shortages reported at 22 locations [1] - The situation is self-accelerating due to overtime demands on air traffic controllers [1] - Potential dropout from training schools due to uncertainty of pay during shutdowns [1] Safety and Operational Concerns - The air travel system is built around safety, potentially leading to reduced flight operations (e g, 70%) if staffing is insufficient [6] - The system is incredibly complex and interdependent, with problems in one area multiplying throughout [4] - Weather disruptions in busy areas like New York can cause system-wide backups [4] - Crew legality issues arise from delays, further complicating flight schedules [4] Technology and System Vulnerabilities - Airlines' complex computer systems are vulnerable to outages, potentially spreading like a virus [8] - Alaska Airlines experienced a shutdown due to a computer outage, impacting thousands of flights [7]