Flight Cancellations Surge as US Government Shutdown Continues

Sun Nov 09 2025 04:28:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Over 1,000 flights have been cancelled in the United States due to air traffic reductions resulting from ongoing federal government shutdown. Passengers face significant delays during one of the busiest travel seasons.

As the US government shutdown drags on, more than 1,000 flights have been cancelled and nearly 4,000 delayed, according to FlightAware. The FAA's decision to cut flight capacity by up to 10% due to overworked air traffic controllers has resulted in lengthy wait times across major airports. With Thanksgiving approaching, travelers face increasing challenges.

More than 1,000 flights to, from, or within the US were cancelled over the weekend after airlines were ordered to reduce traffic in response to a federal government shutdown. Nearly 4,000 flights experienced delays, a significant drop from over 7,000 delays the previous day, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced earlier in the week that it would be reducing air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports, citing fatigue among air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the shutdown.

Political deadlock remains in Congress, with neither Republicans nor Democrats agreeing on a plan to end the shutdown which began on October 1st. Meanwhile, Newark Liberty International Airport is reported to have some of the longest wait times, with arrivals delayed by an average of over four hours.

The airports most affected by cancellations include Charlotte/Douglas International, Newark Liberty International, and Chicago O'Hare International. Departures to major airports such as John F. Kennedy and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International have seen significant delays as well.

As one of the busiest travel seasons approaches with Thanksgiving on November 27, air traffic issues are expected to worsen. The FAA plans to gradually increase flight cancellations to the full 10% by November 14, alluding to safety concerns and the current overworked state of air traffic controllers.

With 1.4 million federal workers affected by the shutdown, including TSA agents who are also unpaid, the situation remains critical. Negotiations in Washington continue as senators aim to reach a bipartisan agreement to resolve the impasse.