UPDATE: Urgent flight reductions are hitting U.S. airports as the government shutdown continues, causing significant disruption for travelers. On Saturday alone, 1,762 flights were delayed and 870 flights canceled, according to FlightAware.
Analyst Henry Harteveldt emphasized that while airlines are working hard to minimize chaos, the impact is being felt by passengers nationwide. “They want to make sure that they have some flexibility,” he told The Associated Press. However, he acknowledged that anxiety and uncertainty among travelers are growing as delays escalate.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cut flight capacity by 4 percent at 40 airports across the country, citing safety concerns related to staffing shortages. Many air traffic controllers are working without pay due to the shutdown, leading to mandatory overtime and further strain on the system.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if lawmakers fail to reach a resolution soon, flight reductions could surge to 20 percent in the coming weeks. He stated that cuts would incrementally increase, potentially reaching 10 percent by November 14.
“It’s not a political move,” Duffy said at a Breitbart News event, reiterating that the administration is focused on minimizing impact on the American public. He assured that once the government reopens, they will assess the data and allow airlines the necessary time to restore normalcy.
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, travelers are advised to adjust their plans accordingly. As the situation develops, passengers can reach out to customer service via phone, email, or directly through the airline’s social media accounts for assistance.
Despite the challenges, protections remain in effect for those with canceled or delayed flights, allowing them to request refunds under Transportation Department guidelines.
As delays and cancellations are expected to persist through November, passengers are urged to stay informed and proactive. The travel landscape is changing rapidly, and those impacted by the flight reductions are encouraged to act quickly to mitigate disruptions to their holiday plans.
