Tri-Cities still fully operational but connector flights to major hubs at jeopardy

The pressures of low staff and limited airspace will impact flights at Tri Cities Airport in Blountville.

Trips from Tennessee via Tri Cities to major hub connectors like Atlanta, Charlotte and Dallas will likely be delayed or canceled as the FAA reduces airspace and flight capacity by 10 percent due to the government shutdown causing overbooked flights and understaffed towers by laid off air traffic controllers.

Some tower officials are working without a paycheck to help preserve air safety. A statement from Tri-Cities Airport says their workforce is fully operational.

(IMAGE: Canva / Pexels / J. Soreson)