Aviation experts say despite a congressional vote to end the government shutdown nearing, it could take weeks before flight schedules return to normal.
That’s because Federal Aviation Administration workers must sift through a 42-day backlog of work left undone, including aircraft inspections and safety checks. In addition, FAA towers weren’t fully staffed when the shutdown began, so the hiring process is expected to ramp up again once the House vote, currently scheduled for Wednesday, is completed and legislation is passed for President Donald Trump to sign.
In addition, airlines must reposition their aircraft after moving them around to accommodate the shutdown.
