US Shutdown Forces Airlines to Slash Flights, Chaos Grows

Air travelers in the United States faced unprecedented disruptions Friday as the ongoing government shutdown forced airlines to slash flights and scramble to manage delays. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 4% reduction at 40 major airports, a figure set to rise to 10% by November 14 if the shutdown continues.

Across the country, absenteeism among air traffic controllers and security screeners, many of whom are working without pay for weeks, has led to hundreds of delayed flights. By early evening, more than 5,300 flights were reported delayed, with Reagan Washington National Airport alone averaging four-hour waits and 17% of flights canceled.

The four largest carriers—American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United—were directly affected. American Airlines canceled 220 flights on Friday, impacting around 12,000 passengers, while United Airlines grounded 184 flights. Airlines rebooked many passengers quickly, but the disruptions are expected to increase if the shutdown persists.

Flight reductions have already caused chaos at major hubs including Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, Washington, DC, and Newark. FAA Administrator Sean Duffy warned that further absences among air traffic controllers could force up to 20% of flights to be cut, raising concerns about travel safety and operational efficiency.

The shutdown, now in its 38th day, has left 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners working without pay, increasing absenteeism and straining the aviation system. Airport flight boards are crowded with canceled and delayed flights, leaving passengers frustrated and uncertain about holiday travel plans.

While weekend schedules may see fewer cuts due to lower flight volumes, experts warn that ongoing labor shortages and government inaction could turn routine travel into a logistical nightmare.