US Airlines Cancel Over 2,700 Flights Amid Ongoing Shutdown
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,700 flights on Sunday due to the continuing federal government shutdown and an order from the Federal Aviation Administration to cut air traffic volumes.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that air travel across the United States could “slow to a trickle” if the shutdown continues into the busy Thanksgiving holiday season.
“Air travel across the nation could slow to a trickle if the federal government shutdown lingers into the Thanksgiving travel period,” said Secretary Duffy.
The disruption entered its third day, affecting operations at about 40 of the country’s busiest airports. The FAA’s temporary measures to reduce flight operations came as some air traffic controllers, who have gone without pay for almost a month, failed to report to work.
According to FlightAware, a website tracking flight operations, nearly 10,000 flight delays were recorded nationwide on Sunday in addition to the cancellations.
- Over 2,700 flights canceled nationwide
- Nearly 10,000 flight delays reported
- Shutdown-driven staffing shortfalls disrupt air traffic
- Impacts felt at 40 major U.S. airports
Scenes at Major Airports
Travelers faced long lines and growing frustration at airports including Chicago O’Hare, Detroit Metropolitan, and New York’s LaGuardia, where multiple American Airlines and American Eagle planes sat idle at gates.
“People waited for hours at check-in desks and security checkpoints, while some flights remained grounded,” eyewitnesses reported.
Summary
U.S. air travel faces mounting disruption as the federal shutdown forces flight cancellations, unpaid controllers, and growing delays at major airports nationwide.
Author’s summary: Air travel chaos deepens as over 2,700 flights are canceled due to the shutdown, leaving thousands stranded and controllers unpaid across major U.S. airports.