A Travel Crisis in the Making
As the United States’ federal government shutdown extends, the aviation sector is bearing the brunt. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered reductions in flight traffic at major U.S. airports because many air-traffic controllers are working without pay, leading to staffing shortages.
On Sunday alone, more than 2,000 cancelled flights were recorded nationwide, marking the first time cancellation totals have reached such levels under this shutdown.
What’s Driving the Disruption
The core issue lies with controller staffing. Thousands of controllers are either unpaid or have opted to take other jobs due to financial pressure. This has forced the FAA to issue emergency orders, instructing airlines to reduce flights by 4 % at 40 major airports — with that figure expected to rise to 10 % (or more) if the shutdown persists.
Aircraft delays and cancellations are becoming widespread: one tracker reported that around 6.5 % of scheduled flights were cancelled and nearly 72 % delayed on a recent day
Major Airports Under Strain
High-volume hubs like Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are among the most affected. At Newark, arrival rates were restricted to between 20–34 flights per hour
Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines are already adapting their schedules and offering additional flexibility for travellers.
What This Means for Travellers
- If you have airline travel planned in the next few weeks — especially around the holiday season — expect disruptions
- Airlines are issuing refunds when flights are cancelled. However, for delays caused by air-traffic control issues, passengers may not be eligible for compensation beyond a refund for the cancelled flight itself. Business Insider+1
- Keep checking your airline’s mobile app or website, stay alert to gate changes or cancellations, and plan alternative arrangements.
- Consider travel insurance or credit-card travel protection that covers cancellations or delays beyond your control.
- If possible, allow extra buffer time for flights, especially out of busy hubs.
Looking Ahead
The transportation secretary has warned that if the shutdown continues, air-travel operations could decline further — even “reduce to a trickle” during the two weeks before Thanksgiving. The Washington
With no quick resolution in sight, the aviation industry — and travellers — are bracing for a prolonged period of elevated disruption.
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