Travelers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport faced cancellations and delays on Friday as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated a 10% reduction in flight volume at major airports nationwide due to the government shutdown. This is the longest shutdown in U.S. history, putting pressure on an already strained air traffic control system.
The FAA told airlines to cut back on flights by 10% at 40 airports, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, in an effort to reduce congestion and ensure safety. Airlines are working to minimize the impact on customers, but travel analysts predict a messy outcome.
Meanwhile, Mayo Clinic announced that it will consolidate two childbirth centers in south-central Minnesota following its withdrawal of obstetricians from the region. The health system’s decision comes as the country grapples with rising healthcare costs and a shortage of medical professionals.
In other news, some vendors are pushing for personalized advertising, while others are seeking to prevent fraud and ensure technical compatibility. A call has gone out for people to opt-out of tracking, but many still allow their data to be shared with third-party companies.
As the country struggles with various issues, one thing is clear: the government shutdown is affecting air travel, healthcare, and consumer behavior in significant ways.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/live-frustrations-mount-as-flights-at-msp-canceled/601518021