Over 1,200 US Flights Cancelled as FAA Cuts Schedules Amid Government Shutdown

Over 1,200 flights across the United States were cancelled on Friday as airlines slashed operations following a directive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce flight schedules amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The move aims to ease pressure on air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working without pay for nearly six weeks.

The disruption, which spread across more than 40 major airports, affected major travel hubs including Atlanta, Denver, Newark, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. The FAA initially ordered a 4% reduction in flight volumes, warning that cuts could increase to 10% next week if Congress fails to pass a funding bill.

Airlines, already struggling with staff shortages and high passenger loads, have begun reworking schedules to accommodate the FAA’s emergency directive. While international flights remained largely unaffected, domestic travellers encountered hours-long security lines, last-minute cancellations, and widespread delays.

Widespread Disruptions Across US Airports

According to FlightAware, a leading flight-tracking service, thousands of flights were delayed nationwide, with average delays exceeding an hour at Boston Logan, Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and Washington Reagan National Airport.

American Airlines cancelled nearly 220 flights, while Delta grounded 170 and Southwest cancelled around 100. Passengers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport described chaotic scenes, with lines stretching across terminals and travellers sleeping on the floor as they waited for rebookings.

“This is hurting a lot of people,” said Rhonda, 65, stranded at LaGuardia Airport. “It’s not just inconvenient — it’s people missing medical appointments, family gatherings, and jobs.”

Shutdown Deepens Aviation Strain

The current government shutdown, now in its sixth week, has furloughed thousands of federal employees and left essential workers like air traffic controllers and TSA agents unpaid. FAA officials said the decision to cut flights was taken reluctantly after dozens of controllers called in sick, unable to afford commuting costs or childcare due to missed paychecks.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) issued a statement warning that “safety is not yet compromised but the strain is showing.” Industry analysts fear that if the shutdown continues through Thanksgiving, the nation could face one of the worst travel crises in decades, with delays cascading across networks.

Government Response

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reassured travellers that flight safety remains the FAA’s top priority despite limited staffing. “We are taking every precaution to maintain safety and order in the skies,” Duffy said, urging Congress to “act responsibly” to restore agency funding.

Meanwhile, airlines are offering flexible rebooking options for affected passengers, though many fear further disruptions if political negotiations remain deadlocked.

With millions expected to travel for Thanksgiving later this month, the shutdown’s fallout threatens to ripple through one of the busiest holiday seasons in recent memory — and test the resilience of America’s air travel system like never before.