The ongoing US government shutdown is affecting domestic air travel, prompting warnings from the Transportation Secretary regarding future flight availability. Disruptions include widespread flight cancellations and delays.
On Sunday morning, FlightAware reported approximately 1,400 flight cancellations and 2,700 delays across, to, or from the United States. Newark, New Jersey, experienced the longest average delays, exceeding two hours.
Legislative Efforts to Resolve Shutdown
Reports indicate that lawmakers are actively working towards a potential agreement on government funding to conclude the shutdown. The Senate was scheduled to convene for a rare weekend session on Sunday.
Air Travel Capacity Adjustments Anticipated
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on Sunday that continued government closure would lead to a substantial reduction in air travel. He noted that such conditions could affect individuals planning to fly for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, potentially limiting flight options.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously announced plans to decrease air travel capacity. This includes a reduction of up to 6% this weekend, escalating to 10% by next weekend, across 40 of the nation's busiest airports. These restrictions do not apply to international flights, although individual airlines retain the discretion to cancel some international services.
Reports suggest that reductions in air traffic allowances are partly due to fatigue among unpaid air traffic controllers. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth offered the assistance of military air traffic controllers; however, Secretary Duffy declined the offer, citing their lack of civilian certification required for managing air traffic at civilian airports.