On Sunday, U.S. airlines cancelled over 2,700 flights, as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that air traffic could “slow to a trickle” if the federal government shutdown extends into the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
The slowdown affecting 40 of the busiest airports in the country has entered its third day, leading to increasingly widespread disruptions. Last week, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated flight reductions at major airports due to some air traffic controllers, who have not received pay for nearly a month, failing to report for duty.
On Sunday alone, over 10,000 flight delays were reported, marking the highest number of disruptions in a single day since the commencement of the government shutdown, as per FlightAware, a platform that monitors air travel disturbances. The cancellations included more than 1,000 flights on Friday and over 1,500 on Saturday.
The FAA’s flight reductions began on Friday, starting at 4 percent and anticipated to rise to 10 percent by November 14. These reductions are in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time and will affect all commercial airlines.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta recorded the highest number of cancellations on Sunday with over 570, followed by Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, which saw at least 265 cancellations. Weather conditions in Georgia may also be impacting flights, with the National Weather Service in Atlanta issuing warnings of widespread freezing temperatures through Tuesday.
In the U.S., more than 1,000 flights were cancelled and thousands more delayed as the Federal Aviation Administration struggles with the impacts of the 37-day government shutdown that left air traffic controllers without pay.
Traveler Kyra March finally made it to Hartsfield-Jackson on Sunday after experiencing several delays the previous day.
“I was coming from Tampa, and my flight was delayed multiple times, then it was cancelled and rebooked. I ended up having to stay at a hotel before returning this morning,” she recounted.
The FAA reported that staffing shortages at Newark and LaGuardia Airports in New York are resulting in average departure delays of around 75 minutes.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Michigan was largely quiet on Sunday morning, with minimal security wait times as delays and cancellations dominated the boards for departures and arrivals.
‘More controllers aren’t coming to work’
Earlier on Sunday, Duffy alerted that U.S. air traffic could see a significant decline if the shutdown continues. He indicated that additional flight cuts — potentially reaching up to 20 percent — may be necessary, especially if controllers go unpaid for another pay period.
“More controllers aren’t coming to work day by day, especially as they go without a paycheck,” Duffy explained on Fox News Sunday.
He also prepared the public for potential challenges during the busy Thanksgiving season.
A reduction in U.S. domestic flights is underway at 40 airports in response to the government shutdown. The FAA has ordered a four percent decrease in flights, and is expected to increase to 10 percent by the end of next week. CBC’s Julia Wong on how the cuts could impact Canadian travellers, especially those who are catching connecting flights in the U.S.
“Looking ahead to two weeks from now, as Thanksgiving approaches, I believe air travel will slow considerably as everyone attempts to visit family,” Duffy stated.
With “very few” controllers on duty, he noted, “only a handful of flights will take off and land,” leading to thousands of cancellations.
“We can expect major disruptions and a lot of frustrated Americans. We need to be realistic about the trajectory of this situation. It won’t improve; rather, it will worsen until air traffic controllers receive their pay,” Duffy asserted.
People wait to check in at a Chicago airport on Sunday. (Adam Gray/The Associated Press)
The government has faced a shortage of air traffic controllers for years, and several presidential administrations have attempted to persuade older controllers to extend their careers. Duffy noted that the shutdown has worsened the situation, prompting some controllers to expedite their retirement plans.
“As many as 15 to 20 are retiring each day,” Duffy mentioned during an appearance on CNN.
Additionally, Duffy stated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reached out with an offer to provide military air traffic controllers, although it remains uncertain whether they are trained to operate civilian systems.
Duffy rejected accusations from Democrats suggesting that flight cancellations were a political maneuver, stating they were essential due to an increasing number of near-misses in an overstretched system.
“I had to take measures to ensure safety,” Duffy emphasized. “I’m addressing what I can in a situation created by the Democrats.”
Airlines for America, a trade organization representing U.S. carriers, reported that delays related to air traffic control staffing surpassed 3,000 hours on Saturday, the highest recorded during the shutdown, attributing 71 percent of delay time to staffing issues.
According to Airlines for America, from October 1 to November 7, controller shortages have affected over four million passengers on U.S. airlines.
