Nearly 1,500 flights were cancelled on Saturday as the US government shutdown continued to disrupt air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered reductions in air traffic due to staffing shortages, with Charlotte, North Carolina, the hardest-hit airport, recording 120 cancellations.
The slowdown has deepened the impact of what is now the longest federal shutdown in US history. Analysts warn that the upheaval will intensify and could affect sectors beyond air travel, including tourism and shipping, particularly as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
The FAA reported major air traffic control staffing issues affecting 37 airport towers and delaying flights in at least 12 major cities, including Atlanta, Newark, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. The reductions, starting at 4% of flights at 40 targeted airports, are set to increase to 10% by Friday.
As many as 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners have been working without pay for nearly a month, leading to increased sick leave and exacerbating existing shortages. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said most controllers are working mandatory overtime six days a week without pay, with some taking second jobs to cover bills.
Travelers expressed frustration and uncertainty. Emmy Holguin, 36, flying from Miami to the Dominican Republic, said, “We all travel. We all have somewhere to be. I’m hoping the government can take care of this.” Heather Xu, 46, travelling from Miami to Puerto Rico, added, “Travel is stressful enough. Then you put these disruptions in place and it really makes everything more challenging.”
Experts warn of broader economic impacts. Patrick Penfield, professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University, noted that major flight disruptions could raise shipping costs, which may be passed on to consumers. Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group, said, “This shutdown is going to impact everything from cargo aircraft to people getting to business meetings to tourists being able to travel. There’s a cascading effect.”
