Alaska Airlines delays start of Paine Field flights due to government shutdown The Federal Aviation Administration cannot conduct its final approvals during the shutdown

A rendering shows a new passenger terminal at Paine Field in Everett. Alaska Airlines announced Tuesday it will delay service from the new terminal. Keep clicking for photos of Alaska Airlines uniforms through the years... less A rendering shows a new passenger terminal at Paine Field in Everett. Alaska Airlines announced Tuesday it will delay service from the new terminal. Keep clicking for photos of Alaska Airlines uniforms through ... more Photo: Propeller Airports Photo: Propeller Airports Image 1 of / 53 Caption Close Alaska Airlines delays start of Paine Field flights due to government shutdown 1 / 53 Back to Gallery

Alaska Airlines announced Tuesday it will delay service out of Paine Field due to the government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cannot conduct its final certification and oversight work required for commercial flights to begin, the airline said on its blog. Service is now scheduled to begin on March 4 -- if government approval can happen before then -- rather than the initially announced Feb. 11.

"We know our guests who purchased tickets to and from Paine Field will be disappointed by this delay – so are we,"Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer for Alaska Airlines, said in a statement. "There are certain things that are simply out of our control."

Customers who purchased flights between Feb. 11 and March 4 will receive an email notification stating that they will be confirmed on new flights for the same day at about the same time out of Sea-Tac International Airport. All additional fees will be waived.

Those who wish to fly out of Paine Field on or after March 4, or who prefer to be refunded the full price of their ticket, can call 1-800-252-7522.

RELATED: Tickets now on sale for Alaska Airlines flights out of Paine Field

"We apologize if your travel plans need to change. But we remain eager and committed to giving you – our loyal guests – a much-needed airport alternative north of Seattle, and a great experience," Harrison said.

Alaska Airlines also acknowledges in the blog post that additional delays of service are possible if the government shutdown persists. March 4 was selected as the new start-of-service date based on a judgement call by the airline.

The government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, entered its 32nd day on Tuesday. Government employees have missed one paycheck already and could miss a second if the shutdown continues past Friday.

RELATED: Washington: Even if you don't work for the government, the shutdown is affecting you

Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller Airports, which will manage the two-gate passenger terminal at Paine Field, told the Everett Herald that the delay in opening the terminal shows the shutdown's impact.

"There are real consequences to the government shutdown for the private sector, and delaying commercial service from Paine Field is one of them," Smith told the Herald. "Like everyone else, we hope that our leaders in D.C. can resolve this situation soon. As always, Alaska Airlines is doing what's in the best interest of their customers, and we look forward to their starting service on March 4."

United Airlines, set to begin flights out of Paine Field on March 31, has not announced any delays of service.

Producer Natalie Guevara can be contacted at natalie.guevara@seattlepi.com.