U.S. Flight Slowdown Deepens Impact of Federal Shutdown but Widespread Disruptions So Far Limited
The recent slowdown at many of the nation’s busiest airports has not yet caused immediate widespread disruptions. However, it has intensified the challenges faced during the nation’s longest federal government shutdown.
“We all travel. We all have somewhere to be,” said Emmy Holguin, 36, who was flying from Miami to visit family in the Dominican Republic. “I’m hoping that the government can take care of this.”
### Flight Cancellations on the Rise
Analysts warn that if cancellations continue to grow, especially as Thanksgiving week approaches, the upheaval could spread far beyond air travel. There are already growing concerns about the impact on tourism destinations and holiday shipping.
Flight cancellations jumped sharply on Saturday, a day that is typically slower for travelers. According to FlightAware, more than 1,500 flights were canceled on Saturday following just over 1,000 the previous day. By Sunday evening, U.S. airlines had canceled more than 1,000 additional flights.
Airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte (North Carolina), and Newark (New Jersey) experienced numerous disruptions throughout Saturday. Ongoing staffing shortages in radar centers and control towers have further exacerbated cancellations and delays, notably at several East Coast airports around New York City.
While not all cancellations were caused by FAA orders, these cancellations currently represent a small fraction of nationwide flights. However, those numbers are expected to rise if the slowdown continues.
The FAA announced that the flight reductions, impacting all commercial airlines, began at 4% of flights at 40 targeted airports. These reductions are set to increase again on Tuesday and are expected to reach 10% by Friday.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that even more cuts might be necessary if the shutdown continues and more air traffic controllers remain off the job.
### Reasons Behind Flight Cancellations
The shutdown has left air traffic controllers without paychecks for nearly a month, prompting many to call in sick and worsening existing staffing shortages. Most controllers are reportedly working mandatory overtime six days a week without pay, and some have taken second jobs to cover expenses, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).
On Saturday, the union delivered 1,600 handwritten letters from members to Congress, urging an end to the shutdown.
### Passenger Experiences Amid the Slowdown
Many passengers were relieved that airlines largely stayed on schedule on Friday. Those with canceled flights were often able to rebook quickly. So far, longer international flights have not been significantly affected.
However, uncertainty remains about which flights may be canceled next. Not everyone can afford last-minute changes or hotel stays after flight disruptions. Heather Xu, 46, who was in Miami after a cruise and preparing to fly home to Puerto Rico, said, “Travel is stressful enough. Then you put these disruptions in place, and it really makes everything more challenging.”
Car rental companies reported a sharp increase in one-way reservations on Friday, and some travelers opted to cancel flights altogether.
Diana Alvear of Bridgewater, New Jersey, cancelled her family’s upcoming trip to California to see in-laws because of concerns about flying amid understaffed and overworked controllers. She worried about being stranded, which would have major implications for her work schedule.
Although United Airlines credited her airfare, the family lost nearly $700 on their Airbnb deposit. “This has been costly to us, and it’s a huge disappointment for us and our family,” Alvear said. “It’s really weighing on our hearts that we had to do this.”
### Potential Impacts Beyond Air Travel
The shutdown could have broader economic effects. Nearly half of U.S. air freight is transported in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft. Significant flight disruptions could lead to higher shipping costs, which may be passed on to consumers, explained Patrick Penfield, professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University.
“This shutdown is going to impact everything from cargo aircraft to people getting to business meetings to tourists being able to travel,” said Raiff. “It’s going to hit hotel taxes and city taxes. There’s a cascading effect that results from this thing.”
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**Associated Press journalists Cody Jackson in Miami, Paul Wiseman in Washington, Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, and Anne D’Innocenzio in New York contributed to this report.**
https://whdh.com/news/us-airlines-cancel-more-than-2500-weekend-flights-largely-due-to-government-shutdown/
