US Airlines Cancel Over 2,700 Flights Amid Government Shutdown
On Sunday, U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,700 flights primarily due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) directive to reduce air traffic.
Airport Impact and Traveler Experience
- Travelers faced long lines at major airports including Chicago O’Hare, Detroit Metropolitan, and New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
- American Eagle and American Airlines planes remained at gates due to cancellations at LaGuardia.
FAA Orders and Air Traffic Controller Shortages
The FAA mandated flight reductions at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports as many air traffic controllers, unpaid for nearly a month, began not reporting to work.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned air traffic would “slow to a trickle” if the shutdown persisted into the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
On Sunday alone, nearly 10,000 flight delays were recorded, intensifying travel disruptions nationwide, according to FlightAware, an air travel tracking website.
Summary
The government shutdown has severely disrupted air travel, causing thousands of flight cancellations and delays, with the situation expected to worsen during the holiday season.
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