US Flight Cancellations Surge Amid Government Shutdown and Staffing Shortages

Tens of thousands of US airline passengers faced disruptions as over 1,300 flights were canceled due to the ongoing government shutdown. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and airport screeners, many working without pay, have caused widespread delays. Flight cuts are expected to increase, raising concerns ahead of the Thanksgiving travel rush, while the shutdown could also drive up air cargo costs and affect retail prices.

Tens of thousands of airline passengers across the United States experienced travel disruptions on Saturday as airlines canceled over 1,300 flights for a second consecutive day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated the cancellations to reduce air traffic amid the ongoing US government shutdown, which began on October 1.

The FAA initially cut flights by 4% at 40 major airports on Friday, and by Saturday, more than 5,000 flights nationwide were delayed. Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina saw the highest number of cancellations, with 130 flights grounded by mid-afternoon. Other major hubs, including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Newark, also experienced significant delays and cancellations. Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, was particularly affected on Friday, with 18% of arrivals canceled.

Officials cautioned that even if the shutdown ends, air traffic operations would not return to normal immediately. Over the past 39 days, some federal employees have been furloughed, while others continue working without pay. Air traffic controllers and many airport security screeners are among the federal staff impacted, resulting in staffing shortages at radar centers and control towers nationwide.

Many workers are struggling financially, with some calling in sick or taking second jobs to cover expenses. Officials estimate that 20% to 40% of workers are absent on any given day. Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 airport screeners are still working without pay, and many have been informed they may not receive another paycheck next week. Despite these challenges, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association reported that most controllers continue to work six days a week to maintain flight operations.

The FAA has warned that flight cuts could rise to 6% on Tuesday, 8% on Thursday, and 10% by Friday at major airports, depending on staffing levels. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that deeper cuts, potentially up to 20% nationwide, may be necessary if more controllers call in sick or stop reporting to work.

Passengers have been able to rebook some flights, but experts warn that the situation could deteriorate quickly, especially with the Thanksgiving travel rush approaching in less than three weeks. Even small disruptions could escalate into significant delays and cancellations.

The Trump administration is urging Congress to pass a funding bill to reopen the government. Democrats, however, blame Republicans for the shutdown, citing a refusal to negotiate on extending health insurance subsidies.

The shutdown’s impact may extend beyond passenger travel. Nearly half of US air cargo is transported in passenger planes’ bellies, and ongoing cancellations could increase shipping costs, potentially affecting retail prices nationwide.