US Shutdown Triggers Over 1,000 Flight Cancellations

Reductions are being implemented at 40 airports, including major hubs in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and Newark. The cuts are beginning at around four percent of flights and could rise to 10 percent next week if Congress fails to reach a funding agreement.

The shutdown, now in its sixth week, has left many federal employees either furloughed or working without pay, including essential airport and air traffic staff. Travellers across the country are feeling the strain, with long delays reported at multiple airports. At Reagan National in Washington, average delays reached four hours, while passengers in Phoenix, Chicago and San Francisco faced waits ranging from one to 90 minutes.

Airlines confirmed widespread disruption. American Airlines said it was cancelling roughly 220 flights per day, while Delta estimated around 170 cancellations. Other carriers also reported significant schedule reductions.

The travel disruptions come just weeks before the busy Thanksgiving holiday period, raising concerns that the impact will worsen if the political deadlock continues.

Transportation officials have insisted that air travel remains safe, though staff shortages and stress have led to increasing reports of employees calling in sick or seeking second jobs to make ends meet.

Passengers expressed concern that the shutdown, driven by a standoff over budget priorities including healthcare funding, is now affecting daily life in a direct and visible way. Many worry the situation will deteriorate further unless lawmakers reach a compromise soon.