US Flight Delays and Cancellations Surge Amid Ongoing Shutdown

Flight disruptions across the United States worsened on Sunday as the government shutdown entered its 40th day, leaving travelers stranded and airports struggling to cope. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues, air traffic could be “reduced to a trickle,” causing severe delays ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

According to flight tracking data, more than 2,900 flights to, from, or within the US were canceled, while 8,600 others faced delays. Newark, New Jersey, reported some of the longest average delays, exceeding two hours.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already begun reducing air travel capacity at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, with reductions set at 6% this past weekend and projected to reach 10% by next weekend. While international flights are not directly affected, some airlines may choose to cancel these routes due to staffing shortages.

Air traffic controllers, many of whom have not been paid during the shutdown, are reportedly fatigued or failing to report for work, prompting the FAA to implement the cuts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered military air traffic controllers as backup, but Duffy declined, citing lack of civilian certification.

The ongoing shutdown, the longest in US history, has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid and disrupted essential services, including food assistance programs. Lawmakers from both parties have blamed each other for the impasse, with Democrats demanding health insurance subsidies be included in any funding plan, while Republicans insist on providing government funding without additional provisions.

President Donald Trump suggested sending funds directly to Americans for health insurance rather than to insurance companies, adding another layer to the ongoing negotiations. Senate Republicans are reportedly working on a compromise to end the stalemate, with a possible vote to advance legislation expected soon.

As the shutdown drags on, travelers face mounting uncertainty, and experts warn that air travel disruptions could worsen if no immediate resolution is reached.