Are Over 700 Flights Cancelled in the US Due to the Ongoing Government Shutdown?
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Synopsis
As the government shutdown continues, airlines in the U.S. have seen over 700 flight cancellations, raising concerns about air travel safety and efficiency. With the holiday season approaching, travelers face potential delays and disruptions. Discover how this ongoing crisis impacts the aviation industry and what measures are being taken to navigate these challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Over 700 flights cancelled due to government shutdown.
- Potential flight reductions could reach 20 percent by Thanksgiving.
- Air traffic controllers are essential workers required to work without pay.
- Travelers are advised to check flight statuses frequently.
- Delays at airports are likely as the holiday season approaches.
Washington, Nov 8 (NationPress) Airlines throughout the United States have cancelled numerous flights as the persistent government shutdown exacerbates challenges within the nation’s air travel network.
As of midday Friday, approximately 780 flights, or around 3 percent of the 25,000 scheduled flights nationwide, were cancelled, according to aviation analytics company Cirium. The number of cancellations is projected to increase significantly in the coming days as more air traffic controllers may seek alternative employment due to unpaid work.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that flight reductions could escalate to as high as 20 percent by the Thanksgiving holiday if this crisis continues.
“If this situation persists, and I have more controllers who feel they can’t come to work and manage the airspace, opting instead for a second job, you might see 10 percent would have been a positive outlook, as we could reach 15 percent or even 20 percent,” Duffy stated in an interview with Fox News. “This is a moment-by-moment assessment,” he continued. “We’re doing everything possible to ensure the safety of travelers as they navigate through the airspace.”
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential personnel, are mandated to work even without compensation.
Currently, the Department of Transportation has initiated a tiered reduction plan that will increase mandated flight cuts to 6 percent on Tuesday, 8 percent on Thursday, and 10 percent next Friday.
Among U.S. carriers, American Airlines has indicated it expects to cancel around 220 flights daily through the weekend. Delta has cancelled 173 flights, while United has reduced its schedule by 184 flights.
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, travelers encountered substantial delays on Friday, with average wait times soaring to four hours, as highlighted by a Federal Aviation Administration advisory.
Airport officials have urged passengers to frequently check flight status and prepare for extended waits, as disruptions are likely to intensify as the busy holiday travel season approaches.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial for our audience to stay informed on the impact of the government shutdown on air travel. The ongoing flight cancellations not only affect individual travelers but also pose broader implications for the aviation industry and the economy. We must continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as they unfold.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are flights being cancelled in the US?
Flights are being cancelled due to the ongoing government shutdown, which has strained the air travel system and impacted the availability of air traffic controllers.
How many flights have been cancelled?
As of midday Friday, approximately 780 flights have been cancelled, which is around 3 percent of the total scheduled flights.
What is the expected impact on future flights?
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy warned that flight cancellations could increase significantly, possibly reaching 20 percent by Thanksgiving if the shutdown continues.
What measures are being taken to manage the situation?
The Department of Transportation has implemented a tiered reduction plan to manage flight cuts, increasing them incrementally over the coming days.
What should travelers do to prepare?
Travelers are advised to frequently check their flight status and prepare for potential delays as the situation develops.
