WB/SCR Airport Braces for Budget Sequestration Impact

Birmingham, Alabama businessman Jeff Littelman fears the ripple effect that would have on his busy flight schedule. "Usually the flights I'm on are pretty packed so I mean if they reduce the number of flights it's going to be even harder to get a flight." Packed flights would be only part of the air travel pain according to Airport Information Desk Volunteer Dean Robinson of Pittston Township. "If you're coming into a hub like Philadelphia or Detroit or whatever and you have to come to a smaller airport like this you're going to be stuck if they would close the control tower down."

Wilkes-Barre Scranton International isn't the only local airport that would be impacted by a budget sequestration. Williamsport Regional is among more than 100 airports that would see its air traffic control tower closed entirely if a budget deal in Washington isn't reached. At least Avoca would still keep air traffic control operations up and running during the morning, afternoon, and early evening. The fact that a budget sequestration could become reality at all has weekly air traveler Roosevelt Kelly of Florence, SC outraged. "I think it's going to be a total disaster and it's not fair to the people who pay the taxes, who pay their bills, who pay their salaries. It's not fair to us."

Eyewitness News tried to speak to the airport director and the air traffic control manager at Avoca about the possible budget sequestration but both declined an on-camera interview. The FAA indicates it will begin furloughs and start facility shut-downs in April in the event of a budget sequestration March 1st.