More than 800 flights in the United States have been called off following a directive from federal authorities to decrease operations at 40 major airports due to the Government shutdown. This move has caused turmoil for countless travelers stuck in lengthy lines and significant delays. The decision, impacting only domestic flights, was taken because air traffic controllers had reported experiencing fatigue, as noted by the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Approximately 1.4 million federal employees, including air traffic controllers and park rangers, are either working without pay or on mandatory leave due to the lack of a funding budget approved by the US Congress. Notable airports like those in Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Washington DC are among those affected by the service reduction.
The flight cancellations have prompted US Vice President JD Vance to warn of an “aviation emergency.” He stated, “The shutdown has transitioned from comedy to tragedy, and the repercussions of this national crisis are on every senator and congressman who fails to reopen the government.”
The decrease in flights will be implemented gradually, starting at 4% of domestic flights on Friday, increasing to 6% by November 11, and further rising to 8% by November 13, before reaching a total reduction of 10% by November 14.