Washington: The U.S. aviation system is facing growing disruption as the federal government shutdown enters its 39th day, forcing airlines to implement flight reductions for a second consecutive day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has directed major carriers to cut scheduled flights at key airports, citing increased absenteeism among air-traffic controllers and security screeners as the primary cause of operational strain.
On Saturday, approximately 700 flights were canceled across 40 major airports, including Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, Washington D.C., and Newark. Major airlines affected include American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United, with United canceling 168 flights and Southwest nearly 100. While weekend travel volumes partially mitigated the immediate impact, authorities have warned that flight reductions could increase to 6 percent by Tuesday and potentially reach 10 percent by mid-November if the shutdown persists.
The crisis stems from the prolonged government shutdown, which has left approximately 13,000 air-traffic controllers and 50,000 security screening personnel working without pay. Rising absenteeism among these critical staff has forced the FAA to implement contingency measures, including reductions in flight operations and extensive delays. On Friday alone, more than 5,600 flights experienced delays, highlighting the widespread impact on passengers and airline logistics.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if staffing shortages continue, the FAA may be compelled to enforce even deeper operational cuts, potentially reducing air traffic by as much as 20 percent. Airlines are facing logistical challenges and mounting costs as they scramble to adjust schedules, manage crew assignments, and accommodate stranded passengers.
The shutdown has also intensified political pressure in Washington. The administration is urging Congressional Democrats to approve a funding plan to end the impasse, while Democrats argue that the stalemate is driven by Republican opposition to health-insurance subsidies. The visible disruption in air travel has become a strategic point in the broader political standoff, underscoring the real-world consequences of the shutdown for millions of Americans.
Experts warn that continued flight reductions could have ripple effects across the travel industry, from declining passenger confidence to operational challenges in global supply chains. The prolonged absence of critical federal personnel has raised questions about the resilience of the nation’s transportation infrastructure and the ability to maintain safety and efficiency under prolonged fiscal gridlock.
As airlines brace for potential further cancellations and delays, passengers are being advised to monitor schedules closely and plan for disruptions. The next several days are expected to be critical, determining whether U.S. air travel can maintain operational stability or faces a deepening crisis that could extend well beyond the immediate shutdown period.