The following statement is attributable to Airlines for America (A4A) President and CEO Chris Sununu:

“We strongly urge members of the House of Representatives to vote to reopen the government today. 

“Airlines have temporarily reduced their schedules to comply with the FAA’s mandate and to prioritize safety. More than 5 million passengers and countless cargo shipments have been impacted by delays and cancelations related to the shutdown. 

“We are preparing for record Thanksgiving travel, with some 31 million passengers expected, and the busy shipping season is coming up. However, airlines cannot flip a switch and resume normal operations immediately after a vote—there will be residual effects for days. 

“It is past time to end the shutdown!”