Airport Chaos Looms as Government Shutdown Continues

Mon Nov 10 2025 23:03:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Increasing flight cancellations due to a government shutdown prompts concerns about the approaching holiday travel season in the U.S.

As the ongoing federal government shutdown extends, U.S. airlines are grappling with significant flight cancellations and delays. With air traffic controllers not receiving pay and increasingly choosing not to work, airlines have been forced to cancel thousands of flights. This situation is expected to worsen, particularly as the holiday travel rush approaches, complicating efforts for passengers and airlines alike.

As the federal government shutdown drags on, U.S. airports are experiencing severe disruptions, leading to a significant number of flight cancellations and delays. Over 1,500 flights were canceled on Saturday alone, with more than 2,900 additional cancellations reported on Sunday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated a reduction of air traffic, resulting in airlines having to navigate staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, many of whom have gone unpaid for nearly a month. By early Monday, around 1,600 more flights were canceled, with projections for subsequent days remaining grim.

The Senate has taken tentative steps toward resolving the shutdown, but even if a deal is reached soon, experts warn it could take considerable time for air travel to return to normal. Delays are impacting major airports, including Newark, Orlando, and Chicago, prompting frustration among travelers.

Union leaders representing air traffic controllers are voicing concerns about the extensive impact of the shutdown, noting that many controllers have chosen not to report for duty, leading to increased pressure on those who remain. The head of the air traffic controllers' union plans to address the media regarding the ongoing crisis.

Looming ahead is the upcoming holiday travel season, which adds urgency to the situation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that without immediate intervention, flight operations could be significantly curtailed, potentially reducing travel to a 'trickle' in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

While the FAA implemented a modest 4% cut in flights over the past weekend, this could rise to 20% in the coming week if the shutdown remains unresolved. Duffy points out that the current atmosphere could further exacerbate former staffing issues that have troubled the nation’s air travel system for years.

As travelers brace for more disruptions, the urgency of resolving the shutdown becomes increasingly apparent, with many left wondering if they will be able to reach their holiday destinations on time.