US airlines cancelled more than 3,200 flights on Sunday, 09NOV, as the government shutdown triggered widespread travel disruptions across the country. The latest figures show that delays climbed above 10,000, with Monday, 10NOV, already seeing hundreds more cancellations by early morning.
These numbers surpass estimates from earlier in the weekend and highlight escalating operational challenges as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces rolling cutbacks at major airports amid acute staff shortages and air traffic controller strain.
Since the shutdown began, the total number of cancelled flights has topped 4,000, impacting major hubs such as Atlanta, Newark, and Chicago. The FAA first ordered a 4% reduction in air traffic last week, and is expected to increase cuts to 10% at 40 of the busiest US airports within days, compounding industry anxiety ahead of the busy Thanksgiving period.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned over the weekend that, if the shutdown continues, air travel across the U.S. could “slow to a trickle,” threatening family reunions and holiday plans for millions.
Duffy has said additional flight cuts, perhaps up to 20%, might be needed, particularly after controllers receive no pay for a second straight pay period.
“More controllers aren’t coming to work day by day, the further they go without a paycheck,” Duffy told Fox News Sunday.
