Although the government shutdown has ended, many effects remain as the nation returns to normal. Air traffic controllers were not paid during the shutdown, which led many of them to take time off or even find second jobs. However, this resulted in air traffic control towers being short-staffed and airports had to cancel 6% of flights, according to Reuters.
President Donald Trump went to Truth Social to demand that air traffic controllers get back to work, stating whoever does not will be “docked.” He also said the workers who did not take time off will be recommended a bonus of $10,000 per person.
According to the Associated Press, 40 major airports, including ones in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Atlanta, had to cancel flights and nearly 5.2 million passengers have been affected by the cancellations since Oct. 1. Travel experts said it may take months, or even years, for airline travel to go back to normal after the 43-day government shutdown, reported by CNN.
If the cancellations weren’t enough, costs have been going up as well. Looking at an economy flight from John Glenn Columbus International Airport on Nov. 26 to Chicago O’Hare International Airport will cost at least $234 round-trip. A nonstop Delta flight from Columbus to John F. Kennedy International in New York City on Nov. 23 is at least $640.
For students who are unable to fly or drive home during Thanksgiving break, events and food opportunities are being put on by Ohio University for students who are not able to go home.
Restaurant, hospitality and tourism students are presenting 150 meals for a Home Away From Home Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 26, taking place from noon to 2 p.m. Meal pickup or dine-in is located in room 120 of Patton Hall on 100 E. Union St.
The meal will include traditional Thanksgiving dishes, along with vegetarian, vegan, halal and international dishes.
For anyone who wants to attend or volunteer at the event, the link is available on the OU website. Registration is required before noon on Nov. 21.
Samantha Pelham, a university spokesperson, provided more information on what will and will not be open during breaks.
“In regards to campus dining options, Nelson will be open on Wednesday, Nov. 25, from noon to 2 p.m. for lunch and to pick up a meal for dinner,” Pelham wrote in an email. "On Thursday, Nov. 27, Jefferson Marketplace and Hot Bar will be open from noon to 2 p.m. as well."
There will be no change in housing accessibility during Thanksgiving break, but it will change slightly for winter break.
“During winter break, the residence halls will close at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, with an option to extend for one night at no cost,” Pelham wrote. “Those planning to extend for a night must complete the One Night Extension Request at ohio.edu/myhousing, or complete a Winter Break Contract at the same link for $30 a night, $125 a week or $400 for the entire break, for those who are staying in a residence hall over the break.”
A full list of information regarding Thanksgiving break can be found on the OU website.
The OU website also provided more information for students who may be contemplating staying in Athens during winter break: “Winter break housing is available for on-campus students during this time frame. A supplemental application is required, and additional housing costs are associated with approved winter break contracts. Please be aware that on-campus services may be limited or unavailable during this break period."
There will also be designated halls open for those staying over winter break. If a student does not live in one of the designated halls, they will be given a temporary space for the break.
While flights might be cancelled or too expensive for students, OU has plenty of options for students during breaks.
