Federal Shutdown Grounds Over 1,200 Flights in the US

On Friday, more than 1,200 flights across the U.S. were canceled after the Trump administration mandated reductions to alleviate stress on air traffic controllers working without pay due to the federal government shutdown.

This move impacts 40 significant airports, including pivotal hubs like Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. The flight reductions are being implemented incrementally, starting with a 4% decrease, scaling up to 10% next week unless Congress resolves the budget standoff.

The shutdown has lasted nearly six weeks, paralyzing multiple federal agencies since funding ceased on October 1, leaving numerous government workers either furloughed or toiling without pay.

“It’s incredibly frustrating. We shouldn’t be in this predicament,” stated American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, urging lawmakers to find a solution to the deadlock.

As of Friday, over 1,200 flights were scrapped, resulting in about 3% of U.S. flights being impacted; however, 94% managed to depart on time. The airports that faced the most setbacks included Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O’Hare, Denver, and Phoenix.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy held Democrats responsible for the enduring shutdown, encouraging them to support a temporary funding bill. Yet, with Republicans holding congressional power and Democrats rejecting budget proposals containing healthcare cuts, the deadlock endures.

Passengers across the nation are already experiencing the consequences. “It’ll become serious if this drags on through Thanksgiving,” warned Werner Buchi, who was at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

Airlines have begun to cut back their schedules:

• American Airlines: 220 daily flights canceled

• Delta Air Lines: Approximately 170 flights cut

• Southwest Airlines: Close to 100 flights canceled

On Thursday alone, hundreds of flights experienced delays nationwide, with extensive lines reported at security checks.

Despite these disruptions, officials maintain that air travel remains safe. “Flying is safe today, tomorrow, and in the coming days given the proactive steps we are implementing,” Duffy reassured travelers.

Nonetheless, as the Thanksgiving travel period looms, worries are escalating as unpaid air traffic controllers and airport personnel endure rising stress—some are even taking up second jobs or calling in sick to cope.