URGENT UPDATE: Airport disruptions are escalating as the federal government shutdown drags on, impacting travelers nationwide. U.S. airlines have canceled over 5,000 flights since Saturday, with 1,500 flights grounded on Saturday alone, and an additional 2,900 on Sunday due to an FAA mandate aimed at managing air traffic amid a serious shortage of air traffic controllers.
As of early Monday, airlines have already canceled nearly 1,600 flights for today, with another 1,000 cancellations anticipated for Tuesday. Significant delays are plaguing major hubs, including Newark, Orlando, Chicago, and Detroit, where travelers are facing wait times exceeding an hour, according to data from FlightAware.
The shutdown has left air traffic controllers unpaid for almost a month, leading many to stop reporting for work. Nick Daniels, head of the air traffic controllers union, is set to hold a press conference this morning to discuss the severe impact of the shutdown on their workforce.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed on “Fox News Sunday” that the FAA is implementing a 4% reduction in flights, which will escalate to 6% on Tuesday and 10% by this weekend. Duffy cautioned that without a resolution, flight cuts could reach as high as 20%. “More controllers aren’t coming to work day by day, the further they go without a paycheck,” he stated.
The ongoing air traffic controller shortage—an issue that has plagued the U.S. aviation system for years—is exacerbated by the shutdown, pushing some controllers to hasten their retirements. With the holiday travel season approaching, experts warn that conditions could deteriorate further, potentially reducing air travel to a “trickle” during the critical Thanksgiving week.
Travelers are advised to check their flight statuses regularly as airlines struggle to reposition aircraft and staff. The ripple effects of the ongoing crisis are felt deeply, not just in the skies but also on the ground, as frustrated passengers face uncertainty and delays.
Authorities are urging Congress to reach a deal to reopen the government swiftly, as the ramifications of inaction could lead to even more extensive flight cancellations and delays in the coming days. The situation remains fluid, and travelers should stay informed to avoid disruptions during this busy travel period.
