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The launch of commercial air service at Paine Field in the northern Seattle metroplex will be delayed due to the partial government shutdown.
Alaska Airlines had planned to become the first carrier to begin Paine Field operations with service commencing on Feb. 11. But Alaska decided Tuesday to postpone the launch until March 4.
“Several key groups within the FAA, which conduct crucial certification and oversight work required for the start of commercial air service at Paine Field, are subject to furloughs because of the government shutdown,” Alaska said in its blog.
“The FAA’s work on the environmental assessment continues. However, essential work groups within the FAA are furloughed and further delays are expected if the shutdown continues.”
Alaska went on to say that its Paine Field launch could be delayed beyond March 4 if the shutdown doesn’t end soon enough for government approvals to be obtained.
Alaska was to begin Paine Field service with a single Feb. 11 flight to Las Vegas, and then build its schedule to a combined 18 departures per day to Las Vegas, San Jose, Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County, Calif., by March 12.
United, the other carrier slated to fly out of Paine Field, has scheduled its launch for March 31.
Alaska said all passengers booked for a Paine Field flight through March 3 will be rerouted through Seattle-Tacoma Airport, 38 miles to its south. Customers can also cancel their flight and receive a full refund or rebook for free on a Paine Field flight beginning March 4.
Source: travelweekly.com
