Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines, Scott Kirby, has assured passengers that the ongoing U.S. government shutdown will not disrupt the airline’s flight operations between the United States and Lagos.
This statement comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) directed U.S. airlines to cut back on their flight schedules due to staffing shortages resulting from the shutdown’s impact on air traffic controllers.
Kirby explained that although the mandated reductions will begin on Friday, November 7, United Airlines will continue to make regular adjustments to its schedule to minimize passenger inconvenience.
According to him, “United’s long-haul international routes and hub-to-hub flights will not be affected by this directive from the FAA. Maintaining these routes is essential for preserving our network integrity, providing customers with flexible travel options, and ensuring smooth crew scheduling.”
He added that the airline would focus its schedule cuts on regional and domestic flights that do not connect United’s main hubs.
Kirby also emphasized that the airline’s app, website, and push notifications will be used to keep customers updated on any changes, rebooking options, and flight information in a simple and accessible manner.
He further noted that all passengers traveling during this period are entitled to refunds if they choose not to fly, even if their flights remain unaffected. This policy covers non-refundable and basic economy tickets as well.
“Even with the reductions, United and its United Express partners will still operate approximately 4,000 flights per day,” Kirby said. “Because this happens in early November, when demand is typically lower than in summer, we expect to find available seats for most customers whose flights may be canceled.”
The government shutdown began on October 1 after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on a new funding bill following the expiration of the previous federal budget.
Democrats are pushing for the inclusion of provisions extending tax credits that lower health insurance costs for millions of Americans and reversing former President Donald Trump’s cuts to Medicaid — a healthcare program serving the elderly, disabled, and low-income citizens.
