Govt shutdown disrupts over 1,400 US flights in a day

On Saturday (November 8), more than 1,400 flights were canceled across US domestic and international routes due to government shutdown, with nearly 6,000 flights delayed, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware.

Authorities warn the situation may worsen in the coming days, reports BBC.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that air traffic controllers working without pay are facing fatigue, prompting flight reductions of up to 10% at the country’s 40 busiest airports. Delays were most severe at Newark Liberty International, Charlotte/Douglas, and Chicago O’Hare airports, with some flights delayed by over four hours.

Other major airports, including JFK, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, and LaGuardia, experienced delays ranging from one to three hours.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted that restrictions have also been imposed on private jets at busy airports to prioritise commercial flights.

The FAA plans phased flight reductions over the next week, reaching up to 10% by November 14 to ensure safety amid staff shortages and fatigue.

The shutdown, now in its 39th day—the longest in US history—has also affected federal workers, including nearly 64,000 unpaid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff, impacting airport security operations.

Lawmakers continue weekend negotiations to end the shutdown, which has disrupted daily life, including food assistance programs.

American Airlines urged Washington to resolve the shutdown swiftly, warning that delays and cancellations could worsen further.