Over 1,400 flights canceled due to ongoing government shutdown.
Over 1,400 flights across the United States were canceled on Sunday as the ongoing government shutdown continued to disrupt travel nationwide. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took decisive action on Friday, initiating the cancellation of approximately four percent of all flights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the situation is likely to deteriorate further if the funding impasse persists.
As the countdown to Thanksgiving begins, Duffy warned that travelers could experience significantly reduced air travel volume in the coming weeks. He predicted that during the two weeks leading up to the holiday, air travel could diminish drastically, potentially leaving only a trickle of flights operating.
The cancellations have predominantly impacted 40 of the largest airports in the country, with major hubs such as LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International, and Newark Liberty International in the tri-state area suffering notable disruptions. Reports indicate that Newark alone saw the cancellation of over 100 flights, and similarly, many flights in and out of LaGuardia and JFK faced delays and cancellations on Sunday morning.
Additionally, the two busiest airports in the United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, reported significant numbers of delayed and canceled flights. Compounding these issues, forecasts predicted up to 18 inches of snow in parts of the Midwest, threatening to exacerbate delays and cancellations particularly in Chicago and Detroit.
Duffy had previously articulated concerns regarding the escalating situation, suggesting that flight cancellations will rise sharply as the shutdown continues. Predictions have indicated an increase to six percent of flights canceled by November 11, followed by an eight percent reduction by November 13, and a total of ten percent by November 14. This escalation appears imminent as Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel periods of the year, approaches.
The implications of the ongoing government shutdown on air travel illustrate the delicate interdependencies within the aviation sector. As federal operations remain suspended, the extensive impacts are felt not only by travelers but also by the airline industry, highlighting the urgent need for resolution to prevent further disruption ahead of the holiday season.
As travelers prepare for one of the busiest times of the year, stakeholders are keeping a close eye on the government’s response and the potential for worsening conditions in the aviation sector.
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