Over 1,000 U.S. Flights Cancelled Amid Government Shutdown Fallout
Washington: More than 1,000 flights were cancelled across the United States on Friday after the Trump administration ordered flight reductions to relieve pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The cuts affect 40 airports nationwide, including major hubs such as Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles.
The shutdown, now nearing six weeks, stems from a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over funding and health insurance subsidies, leaving many federal agencies paralyzed since October 1. Thousands of government employees, including essential airport staff, are either working without pay or furloughed at home.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said flight reductions are being implemented gradually, starting at 4% and potentially increasing to 10% next week if Congress fails to reach a funding deal.
According to FlightAware, more than 1,000 flights scheduled for Friday (November 7) were cancelled. The hardest-hit airports were Washington’s Reagan National, Denver International, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson.
At Reagan National, travelers faced average delays of four hours, while delays averaged 90 minutes in Phoenix and one hour in Chicago and San Francisco, the FAA said.
“This is frustrating. We don’t need to be in this position,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom told CNBC.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed Democrats for the shutdown, urging them to vote to reopen the government. “If Democrats are going home this weekend while keeping the government shut down, that’s shameful,” he said at Reagan National Airport.
President Donald Trump echoed the sentiment on Truth Social, calling on Senate lawmakers to remain in Washington until a funding agreement is reached.
Republicans currently control Congress, but Democrats have refused to approve the majority party’s budget plan, which includes significant healthcare cuts.
The disruption comes just weeks before Thanksgiving — one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
“This will get serious if things drag on to Thanksgiving,” said retiree Werner Buchi at New York’s LaGuardia Airport as he waited for his daughter’s flight from Wilmington, North Carolina.
Rhonda, 65, who arrived from Portland, Maine, said the political standoff could ruin holiday plans. “This is hurting a lot of people,” she said.
American Airlines announced about 220 daily cancellations, while Delta cut roughly 170 flights and Southwest around 100 on Friday.
On Thursday, more than 6,800 flights were delayed nationwide, with around 200 cancellations, as long security lines added to traveler frustration.
Despite the chaos, Duffy insisted flying remains safe. “It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we’re taking,” he said.
However, many aviation workers are reporting fatigue and financial stress, with some calling in sick or taking second jobs to make ends meet.
