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US Flight Cancellations Surpass 1,400 Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
Over 1,400 flights to, from, or within the United States were canceled on Saturday, with nearly 6,000 others delayed, as the federal government shutdown continued to disrupt air travel operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had earlier ordered a reduction in flight capacity at 40 of the nation's busiest airports, citing fatigue among unpaid air traffic controllers.
FAA Implements Gradual Flight Cuts Amid Controller Shortages
The FAA announced this week that it would scale back air traffic by up to 10% at major hubs, with reductions phasing in from 4% on Friday to the full 10% by November 14. The agency justified the cuts as a safety measure, noting that air traffic controllers-classified as essential workers-are operating without pay, leading to increased absences and secondary employment to cover living costs.
Unions representing controllers report that many are calling in sick or taking on extra jobs to make ends meet, compounding staffing shortages. The FAA's move follows warnings that overworked controllers could compromise flight safety.
Airports Face Severe Delays as Holiday Travel Nears
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey experienced some of the worst disruptions, with arrivals delayed by over four hours and departures by 1.5 hours on average, according to FAA data. Charlotte/Douglas International, Chicago O'Hare International, and New York's John F. Kennedy International also saw significant cancellations and delays, some exceeding three hours.
The disruptions come ahead of Thanksgiving on November 27, one of the busiest travel periods in the US. Transportation Secretary Duffy noted on Saturday that restrictions now extend to private jets, which are being redirected to smaller airports to ease pressure on commercial aviation.
We've reduced their volume at high-traffic airports-instead having private jets utilize smaller airfields so busy controllers can focus on commercial aviation. That's only fair.
Secretary Duffy, via X
Shutdown's Ripple Effects Extend Beyond Aviation
The partial government shutdown, now in its 39th day, has left 1.4 million federal workers-including 64,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents-without pay. During the 2018 shutdown under President Donald Trump, up to 10% of TSA staff opted not to report for work, a trend that could worsen as financial strain mounts.
Beyond travel, Americans are facing delays in food aid payments and other critical services. Senators remained in Washington over the weekend for bipartisan negotiations, though no resolution has yet emerged to reopen the government.
Industry Calls for Urgent Action
American Airlines issued a statement on Saturday urging lawmakers to "reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown," emphasizing the growing impact on passengers and operations. With no clear end in sight, airlines and travelers brace for further disruptions as the FAA's flight reductions take full effect.
As the shutdown enters its sixth week, the aviation sector's struggles underscore the broader economic toll of the political stalemate in Congress.
