US Faces Worst Flight Disruptions Of Shutdown: 10,000 Delays, 3,200 Cancellations

Travellers across the United States were left stranded or facing long delays on Sunday as the nation witnessed its most severe day of flight disruptions since the onset of the government shutdown. The large-scale delays and cancellations came as airlines were forced to reduce operations at 40 major airports under government orders, reported USA Today.

According to flight-tracking platform FlightAware, by 10 p.m. ET on Sunday, over 10,000 flights within, into, or out of the US had been delayed, with more than 3,200 cancelled. The day marked the highest level of disruption since the shutdown began. Reuters reported that Delta Air Lines bore the brunt of the crisis, with 52 per cent of its mainline flights either delayed or cancelled.

Staffing Shortages Deepen Flight Crisis In The US

The disruptions are part of a broader reduction in flight capacity imposed by the government due to severe staffing shortages. The Trump administration ordered a 4% reduction in domestic flights at 40 key airports beginning last Friday, with the cuts expected to rise to 10% next week if the shutdown persists, according to CNBC.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that the situation could worsen significantly if the deadlock continues, telling CNN that flight operations could dwindle to a "trickle" ahead of the busy holiday travel season.

Air traffic controller shortages have disrupted operations at major hubs across the country, worsening the chaos caused by airline-imposed cuts. According to aviation data firm Cirium, Sunday ranked as the 11th-worst day for flight cancellations in the US since January 2024.

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Airlines And Travellers Brace For More Delays

Industry group Airlines for America stated that 71% of total delay time on Saturday stemmed from air traffic staffing issues. The organisation also warned that further disruptions were likely in the coming week unless Congress swiftly resolves the funding stalemate.

Despite the turmoil, there were glimmers of hope on Sunday evening as Senate lawmakers reportedly took a key step toward reopening the government.

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Airport Staff Struggles To Work Without Pay

The shutdown has placed immense strain on federal employees, particularly air traffic controllers and airport security screeners, who are required to work without pay. Union officials told USA Today that many controllers have taken up secondary jobs to cope financially, with workers set to miss their second full paycheck on Monday.