More Than 1,700 Flights Canceled as FAA Reduces Service/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hundreds of flights across major U.S. airports have been canceled due to the prolonged government shutdown and resulting FAA slowdowns. Staffing shortages and unpaid air traffic controllers are causing mounting delays and raising concerns ahead of the busy holiday travel season. Airlines and travelers brace for deeper disruptions if the shutdown continues.
Shutdown Travel Disruptions Quick Looks
- Nearly 1,700 flights canceled Saturday, following over 1,000 on Friday.
- FAA mandates industry-wide slowdown, with cuts set to reach 10% by Friday.
- Major disruptions at Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Orlando airports.
- Air traffic controllers unpaid for nearly a month, many working overtime.
- Travelers frustrated, rebookings possible but uncertainty rising near holidays.
- Shipping delays feared, with air cargo impacted by reduced flight capacity.
- Rental car demand surges, some passengers cancel flights altogether.
- FAA targets 40 airports, with 4% flight cuts expanding soon.
- Transportation Secretary warns of further reductions if shutdown continues.
- Tourism, retail, and manufacturing sectors brace for ripple effects.
Deep Look
Government Shutdown Grounds Flights as FAA Cuts Operations at Major US Airports
The effects of the ongoing government shutdown are now hitting the skies. Nearly 1,700 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Saturday, following more than 1,000 cancellations the day before, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began reducing air service due to staffing and resource constraints.
The ripple effects are just beginning. With unpaid air traffic controllers increasingly calling in sick and staffing shortages mounting, airlines are being forced to adjust schedules and trim operations at some of the nation’s busiest hubs.
What Airports Are Most Affected?
According to data from FlightAware, cancellations are climbing, particularly in high-traffic airports. Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina was the most disrupted Saturday, with 120 flights canceled by midday.
Other major airports reporting significant delays and cancellations include:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
- Chicago O’Hare
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Denver International
- Orlando International
- Newark Liberty International
Though not every cancellation is directly linked to the FAA order, the volume is expected to grow as mandatory flight reductions expand.
FAA Slowdown Strategy Explained
The FAA’s initial order began Friday, requiring airlines to reduce about 4% of their scheduled flights at 40 targeted airports. That percentage will increase Tuesday and jump to 10% by Friday if the shutdown continues.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that additional cuts may be necessary. “If we can’t bring people back to work and pay them, we may need deeper reductions to maintain safe skies,” he said.
The Human Cost: Controllers Under Pressure
Air traffic controllers — many working six-day weeks without pay — are bearing the brunt. According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, some have taken on second jobs just to cover bills, while others are calling in sick from burnout and stress.
“These professionals are working under extreme conditions,” the union said. “They’re trying to ensure safety with limited resources and no pay.”
Travelers Caught in the Crosshairs
Most passengers were able to rebook or adjust travel plans, but frustration is mounting. Many fear that with Thanksgiving approaching, the current flight disruptions may evolve into a full-blown crisis.
“Travel is already stressful, and this just adds another layer,” said Heather Xu, 46, traveling home to Puerto Rico from Miami after a cruise. “Not everyone can afford a last-minute hotel if their flight’s canceled.”
Emmy Holguin, flying from Miami to the Dominican Republic, said she hopes leaders resolve the situation soon. “We all have places to go. I hope the government can take care of this.”
Ground Travel Demand Rises
With uncertainty looming, rental car companies are reporting spikes in one-way reservations, especially in cities experiencing cancellations. Travelers are increasingly turning to driving as an alternative to unreliable flight schedules.
Others are canceling travel altogether — a decision that could cost local economies.
Beyond Airports: Economic Ripple Effects
Flight delays and cancellations could stretch beyond the terminal gates. Roughly half of U.S. air freight moves in the cargo holds of passenger flights, which means fewer flights could lead to product shortages and higher prices for consumers.
“If shipping gets disrupted, stores may struggle to restock ahead of the holidays,” said Patrick Penfield, supply chain expert at Syracuse University.
Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group, said the impact will go far beyond ticket sales. “This shutdown will hit tourism, hotel revenues, city taxes — everything,” he said. “There’s a cascading economic effect at play here.”
What Comes Next?
If Congress fails to resolve the shutdown, the FAA’s cutbacks will only grow. With Thanksgiving just weeks away, the timing couldn’t be worse for travelers or the economy. The slow-burning crisis in America’s air system is a warning of how political gridlock can affect everyday life — from missed family gatherings to delayed retail shipments.
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