US Flights Grounded as Shutdown Triggers Widespread Delay Chaos
US Flights Grounded as Shutdown Triggers Widespread Delay Chaos
Air traffic controller shortages from a federal shutdown force airlines to cut flights and trigger long delays across major hubs, with Atlanta bearing the brunt of the disruption.
WASHINGTON: Day 2 of government-mandated flight cuts pushed U.S. airlines to cancel 1,460 flights and delay thousands more as air-traffic-controller absences strained operations. The FAA reported that 37 airport towers and several centers were affected, with delays mounting in at least 12 major cities including Atlanta, Newark, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. By Saturday, roughly 6,000 flights were delayed, down from Friday's 7,000 delays and 1,025 cancellations. The agency had instructed airlines to trim about 4% of daily flights at 40 major airports to safeguard safety as staffing gaps widened.
The disruption comes as the shutdown, now in its 39th day, leaves federal workers unpaid and reduces the pool of available controllers. FAA officials warned that reductions in flights would rise to 6% on Tuesday and could reach 10% by November 14 if absences persist. To manage the flow, ground delay programs were imposed at nine airports on Saturday, with average delays around 282 minutes at Atlanta, one of the busiest hubs in the country.
Airlines canceled roughly 700 flights on Saturday from the four largest carriers—American, Delta, Southwest and United—mirroring the ongoing mandate, while additional cancellations occurred due to staffing issues. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford noted that between 20% and 40% of controllers had not been showing up for work in the days prior. The mounting travel woes have drawn attention from lawmakers; critics tied the disruption to the shutdown, while some officials urged a swift resolution to ease gridlock.
Looking ahead, officials warn that further flight cuts could be announced if controller absences continue. The situation remains fluid, with travelers facing lengthy delays and cancellations across the nation as the government shutdown complicates air-traffic operations. Airlines urged passengers to check flight statuses and contact airlines for rebooking options as the calendar moves toward the next wave of planned reductions.
Cover image source: More Than 5,000 Flights Disrupted Saturday Amid Shutdown Staffing Shortages 🔗
