Air travel across the United States descended further into turmoil on Saturday as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expanded its government-mandated flight cuts, forcing airlines to cancel more than 1,300 flights nationwide and delay thousands more. The move marks the second consecutive day of large-scale disruption as the federal government shutdown continues into its 39th day with no sign of resolution.
The FAA’s decision stems from an escalating shortage of air traffic controllers, many of whom have stopped reporting for duty after weeks of working without pay. The agency said it was prioritising safety amid the growing strain on its workforce. Effective immediately, airlines have been ordered to cut 4% of all daily flights across 40 major US airports, including major hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, and Los Angeles.
“The safety of passengers remains non-negotiable,” the FAA said in a statement. “We are implementing controlled reductions to ensure airspace integrity given current staffing levels.” Officials added that these reductions are temporary measures that could be adjusted “based on daily operational capacity.”
Friday had already seen over 1,200 flight cancellations, but by Saturday the disruption had deepened. Passengers at several major airports faced hours-long delays, with average wait times of four to six hours in cities like New York, Dallas, and San Francisco. Social media was flooded with images of crowded terminals and stranded travelers sleeping on the floor.
At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest, at least 220 departures were cancelled by mid-afternoon. Similar conditions were reported at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where flight boards displayed continuous waves of cancellations.
The FAA has warned that reductions could reach 6% by Tuesday and may rise to as high as 10% by November 14 if the shutdown drags on. Each 1% cut translates to roughly 450 fewer flights per day, meaning passengers could soon face a near-paralysis of air travel across the country.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the severity of the crisis, stating that the situation was “unsustainable” and would “worsen significantly if staffing issues continue.” He warned that absenteeism among unpaid workers was growing, adding, “We will make decisions based on what we see in the airspace, not in politics.”
The shutdown has left roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners working without pay. Union leaders have reported rising stress and fatigue among workers, with many calling in sick because they can no longer afford transportation or childcare.
At airports across the country, the TSA is also struggling to maintain normal operations, resulting in long security lines and missed flights. Several airports, including Miami and Charlotte, have begun closing some security lanes during peak hours to cope with staffing shortages.
Lawmakers in Washington remain deadlocked over federal funding, with Republicans and Democrats trading blame for the protracted impasse. The dispute has effectively frozen large portions of the government, including the FAA’s payroll and operational budget.
Economists warn that the crisis is costing the airline industry millions of dollars per day and could shave up to 0.3% off quarterly GDP if it persists beyond mid-November.
Airline executives have urged Congress to pass emergency stopgap funding for the FAA to restore normal staffing levels. “We are on the brink of a full-scale aviation breakdown,” said Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, calling for immediate intervention. “This isn’t just about inconvenience — it’s about national mobility and safety.”
As the shutdown enters its sixth week, passengers, airlines, and aviation workers are caught in a deepening spiral of uncertainty. Without swift political action, officials warn that the US air travel system could face its worst disruption since 9/11, crippling both domestic and international routes.
