UPDATE: The ongoing federal government shutdown is causing unprecedented disruptions at U.S. airports. Airlines have canceled over 1,500 flights on Saturday and more than 2,900 on Sunday, with nearly 1,600 flights already scrubbed for Monday and nearly 1,000 for Tuesday. The situation is expected to worsen if Congress fails to finalize a deal to reopen the government.
The FAA has mandated a 4% reduction in flights to manage air traffic due to a significant shortage of air traffic controllers who are not reporting for work after going unpaid for nearly a month. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that this disruption could escalate to 20% flight cuts by the upcoming weekend, severely impacting travel plans.
Delays are piling up at major airports, with Newark, Orlando, Chicago, and Detroit reporting wait times exceeding one hour for flights that haven’t been canceled, as per data from FlightAware. The head of the air traffic controllers union, Nick Daniels, is set to hold a press conference Monday morning to address the ongoing impact of the shutdown on air traffic management.
The staffing crisis has been exacerbated by the extended government shutdown, leading to an alarming trend where controllers are opting for early retirement. Duffy noted that the situation could deteriorate further, especially as the busy holiday travel season approaches. “Air travel may be reduced to a trickle by Thanksgiving week,” he remarked during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.”
As travelers brace for chaotic conditions, many are left grappling with uncertainty regarding their travel plans. Experts indicate that even once the government reopens, it will take time for the air travel system to stabilize. The current flight reductions, while seemingly modest, are concentrated at the nation’s busiest airports, which are already operating at capacity.
Travelers are urged to stay updated on their flight statuses and consider alternative arrangements as the shutdown continues. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as the ripple effects of this crisis are felt across the nation.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Congress for a resolution. The impact of the ongoing shutdown is not just logistical; it has real consequences for families and individuals relying on air travel during this critical time. Further updates are expected as the day unfolds.
