Hundreds of flights across the United States have been cancelled as the ongoing government shutdown places increasing strain on the nation’s air travel system. According to an aviation analytics firm Cirium, till yesterday, approximately 780 flights, which is about 3 per cent of the 25,000 daily scheduled flights-were cancelled. Cancellations are expected to rise sharply in the coming days as more air traffic controllers, working without pay, consider seeking other jobs.

 

 

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues, flight cancellations could reach 20 per cent by the Thanksgiving holiday. He explained that as more air traffic controllers seek other employment due to unpaid work, cancellations could start around 10 per cent but may increase further. Air traffic controllers are considered essential workers and must continue working despite not receiving pay.

 

 

To manage disruptions, the Department of Transportation has implemented a tiered reduction plan, with mandated flight cuts of 6 per cent on Tuesday, 8 per cent on Thursday, and 10 per cent next Friday. Among major carriers, American Airlines expects to cancel about 220 flights daily through the weekend, Delta 173, and United Airlines 184. Travellers are facing long delays, with average wait times at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport reaching up to four hours. 

 

 

The situation highlights the broader impact of the shutdown on critical federal operations and the potential for escalating disruptions in the U.S. transportation network if the shutdown persists.