U.S. airlines have scrapped over 2,700 flights on Sunday amidst concerns raised by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about a potential significant slowdown in nationwide air traffic if the ongoing federal government shutdown extends into the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period. The ongoing slowdown, affecting 40 of the busiest airports in the U.S., is now entering its third day and causing broader disruptions. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously instructed flight reductions at major airports due to some unpaid air traffic controllers not reporting for duty after almost a month of going without pay.
Sunday witnessed more than 10,000 flight delays, marking the highest disruptions in a single day since the commencement of the U.S. government shutdown, as per FlightAware, a platform monitoring air travel disturbances. Over 1,000 flights were canceled on Friday, followed by more than 1,500 cancellations on Saturday. The FAA’s reduction plan, initiated at 4%, is set to rise to 10% by November 14, impacting all commercial airlines during the hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta faced the most cancellations on Sunday, with over 570 flights affected, while Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey experienced at least 265 cancellations. Weather conditions in Georgia, particularly widespread freezing conditions forecasted by the National Weather Service office in Atlanta until Tuesday, may have also contributed to flight disruptions.
Traveler Kyra March shared her experience of multiple flight delays and cancellations from Tampa to Hartsfield-Jackson before eventually arriving on Sunday. The FAA reported staffing shortages at Newark and LaGuardia Airport in New York resulting in average departure delays of about 75 minutes. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Michigan observed minimal crowds on Sunday morning, with shorter security checkpoint wait times amidst the inflow of delays and cancellations.
Transportation Secretary Duffy cautioned about a potential further decline in U.S. air traffic if the shutdown persists, suggesting the need for additional flight cuts, possibly up to 20%, especially if air traffic controllers continue to go unpaid. Duffy highlighted the escalating challenges faced by controllers as the shutdown prolongs, indicating the possibility of a significant impact during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period. He emphasized the likelihood of reduced air travel, increased cancellations, and frustrated passengers due to fewer working controllers until the issue of unpaid wages is resolved.
The ongoing government shutdown has exacerbated the existing shortage of air traffic controllers, with retirements accelerating due to the financial strain caused by the shutdown. Duffy mentioned that up to 15 to 20 controllers are retiring daily, further worsening the staffing crisis. Despite an offer from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide military air traffic controllers, uncertainties remain about their certification to operate within civilian systems.
Duffy refuted claims that flight cancellations were politically motivated, asserting that they were necessary to address safety concerns arising from an overburdened system. Airlines for America, representing U.S. carriers, reported that air traffic control staffing-related issues resulted in over 3,000 hours of delays on Saturday, with staffing problems contributing to 71% of delay time. Controller shortages have disrupted more than four million passengers on U.S. carriers from October 1 to November 7, according to Airlines for America.