U.S. Warns of Severe Air Traffic Delays Amid Shutdown and Mass Resignations
U.S. airlines are facing significant disruptions as the federal government shutdown continues. Over 2,100 flights were canceled on Sunday alone, prompting U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to issue a dire warning. He stated air traffic could “slow to a trickle” if the shutdown extends through the busy Thanksgiving travel season.
Impact of the Government Shutdown on Air Travel
This ongoing disruption at 40 major U.S. airports has persisted for three days, leading to widespread travel chaos. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began implementing flight reductions last week, primarily affecting the busiest airports. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, many of whom have gone unpaid for nearly a month, are a critical factor behind the cancellations.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
According to FlightAware, a travel disruption tracking service, Sunday saw over 7,000 flight delays in addition to the cancellations. Specifically, the cancellations were as follows:
- Friday: 1,000 flights canceled
- Saturday: 1,500 flights canceled
- Sunday: 2,100 flights canceled
The FAA’s reduction in flights started at four percent, with plans to increase to 10 percent by November 14. This will affect all commercial airline operations, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
Key Airports Affected
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta reported the highest number of cancellations, totaling over 570. Following closely was Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, with at least 265 cancellations. The National Weather Service in Atlanta is also forecasting widespread freezing conditions, which may further complicate travel in the region.
Staffing Shortages and Controller Retirements
Transportation Secretary Duffy noted that staffing shortages are causing delays of approximately 75 minutes at major airports like Newark and LaGuardia. On a different note, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport reported minimal wait times, as cancellations filled the boards. Duffy emphasized that a continued shutdown could lead to even more significant reductions in air traffic flights—potentially up to 20 percent.
With air traffic controllers working under increasing strain, many are choosing early retirement—between 15 to 20 per day, according to Duffy. He acknowledged that the ongoing situation has compounded long-standing staffing issues that have plagued the FAA.
The Broader Implications for Travelers
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the likelihood of mass disruptions increases. Duffy cautioned that the limited number of controllers would lead to “very few” flights taking off and landing, predicting a frustrating experience for travelers. Airlines for America reported that staffing-related delays exceeded 3,000 hours on one of the busiest days this shutdown, with these delays attributing to 71 percent of overall flight delays.
From October 1 to November 7, controller shortages have impacted more than four million U.S. travelers. The situation continues to evolve, and authorities urge travelers to brace for potential delays and cancellations.
