United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed concerns that the ongoing government shutdown could impact bookings if it continues. Despite the shutdown, essential federal employees like TSA officers and air traffic controllers are working without pay. Kirby mentioned that while the shutdown hasn’t affected the carrier’s business yet, prolonged uncertainty could lead to decreased confidence in the government and impact bookings.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian also warned about the potential effects of a prolonged government shutdown on air travel. The shutdown has raised concerns about thin-staffing among air traffic controllers, resulting in flight disruptions at airports like Nashville and Burbank. Union members representing air traffic controllers organized leaflet distributions to urge lawmakers to end the shutdown, recalling a previous shutdown that ended due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.

Read more at CNBC: United Airlines CEO cautions against long closure