Severe Disruptions Continue as US Flights Cut Under Ongoing Government Shutdown

Sun Nov 09 2025 23:19:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Over 1,400 flights were canceled and nearly 6,000 delays reported as the impact of reduced air traffic capacity compounds amid a historic government shutdown in the United States.

As the US government shutdown enters its second month, more than 1,400 flights have been canceled, with nearly 6,000 others delayed due to a reduction in air traffic capacity directed by the FAA. The shutdown, which began on October 1, shows no signs of resolution as Congress remains divided. American Airlines urges quick action from Washington as travel disruptions grow ahead of the busy Thanksgiving season.

More than 1,400 flights to, from, or within the US were cancelled on Saturday after airlines were told this week to cut traffic during the federal government shutdown.

Nearly 6,000 flights were also delayed, down from over 7,000 delays on Friday, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced earlier in the week that it would be reducing air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the nation's busiest airports, as air traffic controllers, who are working without pay during the shutdown, report fatigue.

Republicans and Democrats remain divided over how to end the impasse in Congress as the shutdown, which began October 1, continues.

Saturday marked the 39th day of the longest shutdown in history as discussions for a funding resolution stall. Senators are in Washington over the weekend for bipartisan negotiations aimed at ending the shutdown, which is severely affecting everyday Americans.

In a statement on Saturday, American Airlines urged leaders in Washington, D.C., to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown amid increasing delays and cancellations affecting air travel.

New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport indicated some of the most severe delays, with arrivals experiencing an average hold up of over four hours on Saturday afternoon. Major airports like Charlotte/Douglas International, Newark, and Chicago O'Hare reported the highest cancellations.

As Thanksgiving approaches, one of the busiest travel seasons of the year in the US, private jets are also facing restrictions as the FAA aims to manage air traffic by directing these flights to smaller airports.

The agency anticipates further cancellations as the air traffic situation progresses, with planned gradual reductions expected to peak at a 10% cut by mid-November, ensuring safety among overworked controllers.

The ongoing crisis highlights the ongoing strain on federal workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents, most of whom are working without pay, raising concerns about safety and operational efficacy as travel demands rise.