Urgent: 10% Flight Cancellations Confirmed at 40 U.S. Airports

UPDATE: Starting Friday, November 7, 10% of flights will be cancelled at 40 U.S. airports amid a looming government shutdown, confirmed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy during a press conference. This drastic measure is designed to address the skyrocketing air traffic delays and is expected to trigger a ripple effect throughout the nation’s air travel system.

The shutdown has pushed air traffic controllers—federal employees typically tasked with ensuring safe flight operations—to the brink. With many working without pay and some calling in sick to find alternative income, the situation has reached a boiling point. As Duffy noted, the cancellations are not based on airline schedules, but rather on where the pressure is most intense, raising concerns about safety and efficiency.

On Sunday alone, approximately 5,000 flights were delayed, with average delays at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) extending over an hour. With Thanksgiving just 21 days away, the potential for “mass chaos” looms large, especially as this period traditionally marks the busiest travel time of the year.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has voiced serious concerns about safety, with President Nick Daniels stating, “Every single day that this goes on, tomorrow is now less safe than today.” The ongoing crisis is compounded by staffing shortages at security checkpoints, with reports of wait times as long as four-and-a-half hours due to TSA workers also facing pay issues.

Travelers should brace for significant disruptions. Airlines are already struggling to manage the fallout from the cancellations, which will inevitably lead to further delays and missed connections. The interconnected nature of air travel means that a reduction in flights at select airports will ripple through the entire system, impacting passengers across the country.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the urgency for a resolution to the government shutdown grows. If it continues through the holiday season, the cumulative stress on air traffic controllers and TSA workers is expected to worsen, significantly impacting the travel experience for millions of Americans.

For those planning to fly, keeping updated on flight statuses and potential cancellations is critical. The situation is highly dynamic, and as Duffy warned, immediate action is necessary to avert a full-blown travel crisis.

Stay tuned for the latest developments as this story unfolds.