More than 1,400 flights across the United States were cancelled on Saturday, with nearly 6,000 others delayed, as the ongoing federal government shutdown forces the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to scale back air traffic capacity at major airports.
The FAA announced earlier this week that it would reduce air travel operations by up to 10 percent at 40 of the country’s busiest airports. The decision follows increasing reports of fatigue among air traffic controllers, who are continuing to work without pay during the shutdown.
The shutdown, now in its 39th day, has become the longest in US history. Lawmakers remain at a political stalemate over a funding agreement to reopen government agencies.
Airlines and Passengers Feeling the Impact
American Airlines issued a statement on Saturday urging Congress to “reach an immediate resolution,” as travel disruptions begin to spread nationwide.
Newark Liberty International Airport recorded some of the worst delays, with inbound flights facing wait times of more than four hours. Charlotte Douglas, Newark Liberty, and Chicago O’Hare had the highest number of cancellations, according to FlightAware.
Departures from John F. Kennedy International, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, and LaGuardia also faced significant delays heading into Saturday afternoon.
The disruption comes just weeks before the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
FAA Prioritizing Commercial Flights
FAA officials said private jets are also being redirected to smaller airfields to reduce congestion and allow commercial aviation to operate more safely.
Flight reductions will continue to increase in the coming days, rising from 4 percent of flights cancelled on Friday to the full 10 percent by 14 November.
Workers Stretched as Shutdown Drags On
Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are classified as essential workers and are required to report to work without pay. Unions say many are exhausted, calling out sick, or seeking secondary employment to cover basic expenses.
During the 2018 shutdown, as many as 10 percent of TSA workers stayed home rather than work without pay. Similar patterns are emerging again, adding further pressure to airport operations.
