UPDATE: Over 200 flights were canceled at Newark Liberty Airport just yesterday, with significant disruptions expected to continue this week. The FAA mandated airlines to cut 4% of their scheduled flights on Friday, and this number is projected to escalate to 10% by the end of the week, raising concerns as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
Airlines across the nation are scaling back operations at major U.S. airports to alleviate mounting pressure on air traffic controllers, who are currently facing intense strain during the ongoing government shutdown. The FAA emphasizes that these cancellations are crucial for ensuring traveler safety amid staffing shortages and extended work hours for controllers.
At Newark, approximately 44 flights were canceled, equating to 7% of its operations, while LaGuardia experienced 58 flight cancellations—around 10%. In contrast, JFK Airport managed to limit cancellations to 25 flights, or 3%. Travelers are urged to check their flight statuses frequently amid these ongoing changes.
In a statement, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed that the flight cuts are necessary to address safety issues linked to staffing limitations. “We are taking these measures to ensure the safety of all passengers,” they stated.
The situation is exacerbated by a runway construction project at Newark Liberty Airport over the weekend, contributing further to the delays. With the holiday travel season rapidly approaching, anxiety is mounting among travelers. One affected passenger, Andrea Kowk, shared her frustrations, stating, “I received another email saying that the flight was disrupted… and then got another email saying that my flight had been rebooked to Wednesday the 12th at 6 p.m. That wasn’t going to work for me.”
Even if the government shutdown concludes soon, Duffy warns that it may take time for flight operations to return to normal. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and explore alternative travel options as disruptions are likely to persist.
As the situation develops, stay tuned for more updates on flight statuses and operational changes at major airports across the country.
