Millions of Americans are facing travel chaos as hundreds of flights are cancelled nationwide due to the ongoing US government shutdown. The crisis, which has become the longest in the country’s history, is forcing authorities to reduce air traffic operations across 40 major airports, with flight cuts expected to increase over the coming days.
Starting this Friday, flight operations will be reduced by 4% before gradually rising to 10% by next week if no deal is reached to end the shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order mandating airlines to cooperate in reducing their schedules to ensure safety amid growing staff shortages.
Major airports affected include New York’s LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Liberty, as well as Boston Logan, Philadelphia International, Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles International, and Seattle-Tacoma International. The ripple effect means smaller regional airports will also experience cancellations and delays.
The nation’s biggest airlines have already begun cancelling hundreds of flights. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have all scaled back their operations, with thousands of passengers expected to face disruptions through the weekend and into next week. Airlines have offered rebooking options and waived change fees for affected travelers, urging customers to stay flexible and check flight status updates frequently.
Travel experts are advising passengers with urgent travel plans to book flexible tickets or backup flights on alternative carriers to avoid being stranded. Booking directly through airlines, avoiding layovers, and choosing refundable tickets are among the top recommendations for minimizing inconvenience.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, has left thousands of federal workers unpaid, including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers. Many are now leaving their posts, worsening staffing shortages at key facilities. The FAA has reported more than 450 staffing issues since the shutdown began, prompting the reduction in flights as a safety precaution.
While aviation authorities assure that the flight cuts will maintain safe operations, experts warn that the situation could deteriorate if the shutdown persists. With the holiday travel season approaching, millions of passengers risk severe disruptions unless a resolution is reached soon.
