US flight cancellations surpass 2,000 as government shutdown continues

Air travel across the United States has been severely disrupted with over 2,000 flight cancellations recorded during the weekend, marking the most significant travel disruption since the federal government shutdown began. The crisis stems from critical staffing shortages among air traffic controllers who are working without pay due to the political stalemate in Washington.

Escalating Flight Reductions

The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented mandatory flight reductions starting at 4% this weekend at 40 major airports, with planned increases to 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and 10% by November 14. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that these cuts could potentially reach 20% if the government shutdown continues, creating even greater travel chaos for millions of Americans.

Airlines Most Affected

According to flight tracking service FlightAware, regional carriers SkyWest and Envoy Air along with Southwest Airlines experienced the highest number of cancellations. Major airlines including United, Delta, and American Airlines also reported substantial delays and cancellations affecting travel plans nationwide during one of the busiest travel periods.

Root Cause: Unpaid Controllers

The core issue stems from air traffic controllers being forced to work without pay since the government shutdown began on October 1. Transportation Secretary Duffy explained that many controllers are taking secondary jobs "whether it's waiting tables or driving Uber instead of coming to towers and doing their day jobs" to support their families, exacerbating staffing shortages at critical air traffic control facilities.

Recovery Timeline Concerns

Even if the government reopens immediately, officials note that it could take several days for air traffic controllers to return to their positions and for airlines to restore normal flight schedules. Secretary Duffy has urgently called on Congress to resolve the shutdown, stating "Let's not hold the American people hostage and air travelers hostage by the shutdown that's gone on to a historic level right now."