The ongoing federal government shutdown is causing major disruptions in the U.S. airline industry, with over 2,700 flights cancelled on Sunday. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concerns that air traffic nationwide may grind to a halt if the shutdown extends into the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period.
The slowdown, affecting 40 of the busiest U.S. airports, has entered its third day and is leading to more widespread flight cancellations and delays. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued orders last week for reducing flights at major airports due to unpaid air traffic controllers not reporting to work.
Sunday saw over 10,000 flight delays, marking the highest number of disruptions in a single day since the government shutdown commenced. The FAA initially implemented a four per cent reduction in flights on Friday, with plans to increase it to 10 per cent by November 14, affecting all commercial airlines operating between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta faced the most cancellations on Sunday, surpassing 570, followed by Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey with at least 265 cancellations. Weather conditions in Georgia, including widespread freezing warnings, also contributed to the disruptions.
The U.S. is experiencing flight cancellations and delays due to the government shutdown, affecting air traffic controllers’ pay and causing disruptions.
Traveller Kyra March shared her experience of flight delays and cancellations, finally arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson on Sunday after multiple schedule changes.
Staffing shortages at Newark and LaGuardia Airport in New York led to average departure delays of around 75 minutes, while Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Michigan experienced reduced traffic and minimal security wait times amidst cancellations and delays.
‘More controllers aren’t coming to work’
Secretary Duffy cautioned about a potential significant decline in U.S. air traffic if the shutdown persists, mentioning the possibility of further flight reductions, possibly up to 20 per cent. He highlighted the impact of delayed pay on air traffic controllers, leading to fewer controllers reporting to work.
“More controllers are staying away from work each day as they continue without pay,” Duffy stated in an interview with Fox News Sunday.
He also warned the public about potential disruptions during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period.