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MOLINE, Ill. — Progress is being made to end the federal government shutdown. However, it will have lingering effects even after the government reopens. That includes the impact on air travel.
READ MORE: There’s no timeline on when flight cuts will ease up after the government shutdown ends
An estimated 1,500 flights across the country were canceled today, with thousands more delayed. It comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a reduction in air traffic as part of an emergency plan to manage strained operations during the ongoing government shutdown.
Some travelers, including those in the Quad Cities, are trading wings for wheels. Car rental and driving services have seen an increase in demand as many people hit the road rather than wait for a connecting flight.
One traveler at the Quad Cities International Airport is looking to head back home to Toronto after being in town for business. Over the last couple of days, Laszlo Asztalos noticed that his airline was canceling flights at the time he would be leaving.
In an effort to avoid any headaches, Asztalos changed his flight to leave out of Chicago O’Hare.
“I called them up to see if I could change my flight so that I’d leave out of Chicago,” he said. “I’m planning on driving down there, just don’t want to take any risks…trying to get home to see my daughter before she goes to bed. “
He’s not the only one opting for a ride. Airport car rental staff said they’re swamped with no cars to spare.
“There was like 17 other people that were doing the same thing I’m doing,” Asztalos said.
As car rentals fly out of the lots, some travelers are seeking driving services. Act 2 Transportation in Coal Valley shuttles people to and from all local airports. Owner Rick Lawson said they’ve seen a clear spike in demand from stranded travelers.
“People are calling last minute because they’re in a jam. They have a problem,” Lawson said. “The other night, we took care of a family…they were flying into O’Hare and connecting to Moline to go home. They called us during the day and their flight was delayed getting to O’Hare…they were going to miss their connection to the Quad Cities.”
One of Lawson’s drivers got them to their Quad Cities home from Chicago.
“Over the phone, you can tell they’re frustrated,” Lawson said. “By the time we get to them, my drivers tell us they’re relieved.”
Travelers flying in and out of QCIA had four flights canceled on Tuesday, with one departure and one arrival each canceled to and from Chicago and Atlanta. Staff are expecting further delays and more interest in rental cars, even if the shutdown ends soon.
