"Safety will never be compromised. Safety is not involved in the decisions we have made," said Lahood.
It is not just flight operations at the nation's smaller airports. At some of the busiest airports, like at Baltimore Washington International for instance, landings of commercial and cargo aircraft are being affected.
Linda Green, who directs the Baltimore airport business partnership, says there already is an economic slowdown near the airport.
"You look at the fact this airport, for example, is surrounded by 35 hotels, all of whom rely on the traffic that comes through this airport," she said. "As things slow down it will have a ripple effect, ripple first through the airport and then the surrounding businesses around the airport."
In Florida, which relies heavily on tourism, the impact on travel could cost the state $19 million a year.
"It is going to impact people's interest in coming to the state because of these delays. It is going to impact business in our state, and it is absolutely the wrong thing to do," said Florida Governor Rick Scott.
Analysts say passengers also could end up paying more to fly during the coming vacation season.
"Airlines may have to cut seats. That will drive up ticket prices because demand will still be high," said air travel analyst Rick Seaney.
With air travelers increasingly frustrated, some lawmakers are calling for legislation to get more air traffic controllers back on the job.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25