U.S. Flight Cancellations Surge Amid Record Federal Shutdown and Staffing Crisis

Airlines canceled more than 2,200 U.S. flights on Sunday as the ongoing federal shutdown—now in its 40th day—crippled air travel operations nationwide. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel could drop to a “trickle” before Thanksgiving due to worsening air traffic control staffing shortages.

Major airlines are struggling with a third consecutive day of government-mandated flight reductions following thousands of delays and cancellations over the weekend. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered carriers to cut 4% of daily flights at 40 major airports, with reductions expected to rise to 6% by Tuesday and 10% by November 14.

As of Sunday afternoon, flight tracking site FlightAware reported 2,215 cancellations and more than 7,200 delays. United Airlines confirmed plans to cut 190 flights on Monday and 269 on Tuesday as airlines adjust to FAA directives.

The shutdown has led to a significant loss of experienced air traffic controllers. Duffy revealed that retirements have jumped from four per day to nearly 20, leaving the FAA short by as many as 2,000 controllers. Over 13,000 controllers and 50,000 security screeners continue to work without pay.

Airlines for America, representing major U.S. carriers, estimated that since October 1, the disruptions have impacted over 4 million passengers and could cost the economy between $285 million and $580 million daily by next Friday.

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warned that the travel chaos could hurt fourth-quarter growth. “Thanksgiving is one of the most critical times for the economy,” he said. “If people can’t travel, we could see a negative quarter.”

Republican Senator Ted Cruz also noted that more than 500 pilot safety reports have been filed since the shutdown began, citing air traffic controller fatigue as a growing concern.