US Flight Chaos: Frustrated Pilot Calls for Senate Action Amid Shutdown

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The ongoing US government shutdown has brought the country's air travel system to a grinding halt. A Southwest Airlines pilot has taken to social media to express his frustration with the situation, urging passengers to contact their senators to end the impasse. In a viral video shared on TikTok, the pilot addresses the passengers on board, explaining how the shutdown is costing airlines millions of dollars. He describes the operational toll of the delays, stating that flights are taking off with only one engine due to a lack of air traffic controllers. The pilot's message has sparked debate on social media, with some passengers praising his candor while others have called for his termination. The shutdown has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, causing massive delays for travelers. Southwest Airlines has cut over 400 scheduled flights, reducing its flight schedule through Wednesday at 34 airports. The airline aims to prevent further unplanned cancellations and protect the health of its crew network. A compromise to restore federal funding has cleared an initial Senate hurdle, suggesting the longest government shutdown in US history could end this week. However, Congress has yet to give its final approval. As the shutdown continues to impact air travel, the pilot's video serves as a reminder of the human cost of the impasse. His message highlights the need for swift action from lawmakers to resolve the situation and get the country's air travel system back on track.