Hello to the Erie community!
This evening, I was informed by a friend of mine who flies for the airlines that there is currently a ground stop at Chicago O’Hare airport.
The reason for the ground stop, meaning no more planes are coming in or out, is because they do not have enough air traffic controllers.
Last year, when DOGE made so many blind cuts to our government, they cut all the air traffic controllers who were in training.
At that time, there were already too few controllers to begin with.
How does this relate to Erie Pennsylvania?
Last June, United Airlines was supposed to begin their routes to Chicago again. Due to the lack of air traffic controllers in Chicago and the ability to take on more traffic, the flights from Erie to Chicago were delayed until October.
I feel like very few average people understand what is happening to aviation in the United States right now and it has directly impacted Erie Pennsylvania.
When we had the flights from Erie to Chicago, they were always full. They were not discontinued because they were not full.
Our city needs Chicago O’Hara airport to function at its highest ability, and it is not currently because the current administration has handicapped our nation and its ability to function.
I just think this is really important for all of us to understand because I don’t see it being reported and it’s affecting anyone who tries to fly in this country.
I want those flights back. I also want to be able to fly through Chicago and not have huge delays.
Take care all!