Southwest said it has not faced any major disruptions to its operations since the federal government shut down over a week ago.
In a message sent to employees, the airline said that while it has experienced a few “manageable delays and cancellations” linked to shortages of air traffic controllers, “our performance continues to rank among the best in the industry.”
Southwest thanked its employees for their dedication and professionalism, singling out employees at Hollywood Burbank Airport in the Los Angeles area and Nashville International Airport in Tennessee, where air traffic control problems have been particularly acute.
Nashville is a hub location for Southwest.
The carrier also cautioned its staff to “remain vigilant in ensuring operational reliability,” since the government funding situation and its influence on the controller workforce are “dynamic and could change rapidly at any ATC facility.”
Southwest said it is working with industry peers and its government affairs team to advocate for “adequate and reliable funding” to support the nation’s air transportation system.
Southwest’s message somewhat echoed comments from Delta CEO Ed Bastian, who told CNBC on Thursday that the government shutdown has not had a significant impact on operations. Bastian cautioned that could change if the shutdown continues for another 10 days or longer.
A number of major airports, including Chicago O’Hare, Denver, and Newark, New Jersey, have seen periodic flight delays as more air traffic controllers call out sick. Controllers are required to keep working during a government shutdown even though they are not being paid, and in past shutdowns, some have protested with so-called “sick outs.”
Democrats and Republicans in Congress remain far apart on key issues in their proposed funding resolutions. Separate Democratic and Republican measures to reopen the government failed to pass the U.S. Senate on Thursday.
