Washington (Rajeev Sharma): America’s skies saw more turmoil on Saturday as airlines cancelled another wave of flights — more than a thousand for the second straight day — due to the ongoing federal government shutdown that has forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to scale back operations.
The FAA’s staffing constraints have prompted a nationwide order to trim air traffic, initially cutting 4% of flights at 40 major airports, with deeper reductions expected in the coming week. By Friday, the agency plans to ground as much as 10% of scheduled flights if the shutdown continues, a move that experts say could trigger widespread delays and cancellations during the busy holiday season.
According to FlightAware, cancellations crossed the 1,000 mark again on Saturday — a rare figure for what is typically a slower travel day. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport reported the largest number of disruptions, with more than 130 flights cancelled by mid-afternoon. Airports in Atlanta, Newark, Chicago, Denver, and New York City also experienced mounting delays as limited staffing in radar and control towers slowed traffic flow.
While most passengers were able to rebook or find alternate routes, many voiced frustration over the mounting uncertainty. “Everyone’s just trying to get somewhere,” said Emmy Holguin, 36, who was traveling from Miami to the Dominican Republic. “It’s exhausting not knowing if your flight will actually take off.”
The problem stems from a growing crisis in the nation’s air traffic control system. Controllers have now gone nearly a month without pay, leading to a surge in absences and burnout. Many are working overtime — six days a week — while others have taken on second jobs to make ends meet, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that more drastic reductions may be necessary if funding isn’t restored soon. “We’re reaching a breaking point,” Duffy said. “The people who keep our airspace safe are being stretched beyond their limits.”
Though long-haul international flights have mostly stayed on schedule, domestic routes continue to bear the brunt of the disruptions. Major carriers said they are offering flexible rebooking options, but some travelers have opted to cancel plans altogether.
“I came off a cruise expecting to fly home today,” said Heather Xu, 46, waiting at Miami International Airport for a rescheduled flight to Puerto Rico. “Now I’m stuck here, paying for a hotel I didn’t plan for. It’s stressful and expensive.”
Rental car agencies have reported a jump in one-way bookings as frustrated passengers turn to road travel. Tourism officials also worry that prolonged flight cuts could hit popular destinations and holiday-related shipping in the coming weeks.
Industry analysts warn that if the shutdown isn’t resolved soon, the current disruptions could escalate into one of the most significant air travel crises in years — just as millions prepare for Thanksgiving travel.
For now, the nation’s air system remains in holding pattern, with travelers, airlines, and airport workers all caught in the turbulence of Washington’s budget stalemate.
