Washington: For the second consecutive day, more than a thousand flights across the United States were cancelled as the ongoing government shutdown continued to disrupt air travel and pressure the nation’s already stretched aviation workforce.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been forced to scale back air traffic nationwide, citing staff shortages as air traffic controllers work without pay. Under its current order, the FAA is reducing flights by about 4% across 40 major airports, with cuts expected to rise to 10% by Friday if the shutdown persists.
While the cancellations remain a small fraction of total scheduled flights, analysts warn that the fallout could worsen as the Thanksgiving travel season nears. So far, the ripple effects have largely been contained to major transit hubs, but longer delays and heavier disruptions loom if the impasse in Washington continues.
According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, Saturday’s cancellations exceeded 1,000, echoing similar numbers from Friday. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina was among the hardest hit, logging more than 130 cancellations by mid-afternoon. Airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Newark, and the New York City area also reported widespread disruptions.
Passengers stranded at airports expressed frustration as they tried to rearrange travel plans amid the uncertainty. “We all have places to go,” said Emmy Holguin, 36, waiting to board a flight from Miami to the Dominican Republic. “I just hope the government finds a way to fix this soon.”
The cancellations stem from a worsening staffing crisis among air traffic controllers, many of whom have gone unpaid for nearly a month due to the shutdown. Some have begun calling in sick, while others are taking on second jobs to cover expenses, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. Those still on duty are working long shifts, often six days a week.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that additional flight cuts could be unavoidable if the shutdown continues. “Our aviation system relies on people who are exhausted and unpaid,” he said. “That’s not sustainable.”
Despite the growing strain, most major carriers have managed to rebook travelers quickly, and long-haul international flights have largely operated on schedule. Still, uncertainty remains high.
“Travel is already stressful — this just adds another layer,” said Heather Xu, 46, who was flying home to Puerto Rico after a cruise. “Not everyone can afford an unexpected hotel stay or a last-minute rebooking.”
Meanwhile, rental car companies have reported a spike in one-way rentals as passengers look for alternate ways to reach their destinations. Tourism hotspots and holiday shipping services are also bracing for economic fallout if the disruption extends into the busy travel weeks ahead.
What began as a political standoff in Washington is now rippling through the nation’s skies — and for millions of passengers, there’s no clear sign of relief on the horizon.
