Air Travel Disrupted as Government Shutdown Enters 39th Day

Sun Nov 09 2025 03:18:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

More than 1,000 flights have been canceled in the US as the government shutdown forces airlines to reduce air traffic. The FAA indicates that air traffic controllers, working without pay, are fatigued and restrictions will likely worsen.

The ongoing government shutdown has led to the cancellation of over 1,000 flights within the US, with delays impacting nearly 4,000 other flights. The Federal Aviation Administration has announced a gradual reduction in air travel capacity to ensure the safety of air traffic controllers, who are currently working unpaid. Airports like Newark Liberty International and Charlotte Douglas are experiencing the most significant flight disruptions, and officials have initiated restrictions on private jet travel as well to manage the burden on air traffic controllers. With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, the situation could worsen, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution in Congress.

Air Travel Disrupted as Government Shutdown Enters 39th Day

More than 1,000 flights to, from, or within the US were cancelled on Saturday after airlines were told this week to cut traffic during the federal government shutdown.

Nearly 4,000 flights were also delayed, down from over 7,000 delays on Friday, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced earlier in the week that it would be reducing air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the nation's busiest airports as air traffic controllers, who are working without pay during the shutdown, report fatigue.

Republicans and Democrats remain divided over how to end the impasse in Congress as the shutdown, which began on 1 October, continues.

New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport was experiencing some of the longest wait times. As of Saturday afternoon, arrivals to the airport were delayed by an average of more than four hours, while departures from the airport were delayed by an average of 1.5 hours, according to the FAA.

The airports with the most cancelled flights on Saturday, both to and from the location, were Charlotte/Douglas International, Newark Liberty International, and Chicago O'Hare International, according to FlightAware.

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching on 27 November, which is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year in the US, the situation is becoming increasingly critical.

The FAA's decision to cut flights also impacts private jets, with Secretary Duffy stating that their volume at high-traffic airports has been reduced to allow controllers to focus on commercial aviation.

As of Saturday afternoon, delays to John F Kennedy International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, and La Guardia were reported to be nearly three hours, over 2.5 hours, and about an hour, respectively.

Travelers are advised to keep checking flight updates as the FAA increases the percentage of cancelled flights leading up to the full 10% cut on 14 November.

Additionally, the ongoing shutdown is affecting the entire federal workforce, with 1.4 million federal workers, including those working for the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), either working without pay or being placed on leave.

Saturday marks the 39th day of the longest shutdown in history, with bipartisan negotiations continuing in Washington to reach a funding resolution.