Sea-Tac Airport flight cancellations continue Tuesday

Though the federal government shutdown appears to be nearing its end, flight cancellations are continuing by the day at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. 

At least 40 flights were canceled Tuesday morning, day five of the Federal Aviation Administration’s order to reduce flights at major airports due to the partial government shutdown, according to airport spokesperson Kassie McKnight-Xi. That number could increase throughout the day. 

There were 49 cancellations on Monday, 45 on Sunday, 33 on Saturday and 29 on Friday.

Thousands of flights have been canceled across the country in recent days while air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees have been working without pay because of the shutdown, leading to high rates of absenteeism. 

In response, the FAA directed 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, including Sea-Tac, to gradually reduce flights by 10% by Nov. 14. 

The federal government is days from reopening after the Senate on Monday passed legislation to end the historically long shutdown, spurred by a small group of Democrats that struck a deal with Republicans despite criticism from their party. 

The legislation goes to members of the House who have been on recess since mid-September, so the shutdown could last a few more days while they return to the U.S. Capitol to vote on the legislation. President Donald Trump is expected to support the bill. 

Flight cancellations are expected to persist even after the government shutdown ends. 

If your flight has been canceled, check out these tips for what to do next.