Major Flight Cancellations Surge as Government Shutdown Hits Airlines

URGENT UPDATE: A wave of flight cancellations has struck the United States as the government shutdown intensifies. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leads the chaos with a staggering 76 cancellations reported early Friday, disrupting travel for thousands.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order on Thursday, mandating a 10% reduction in flights at 40 of the busiest airports across the nation. This drastic measure comes as air traffic controllers, now working without pay for 38 days, increasingly call in sick, leading to critical staffing shortages.

As of 6 a.m. ET on Friday, data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that Chicago O’Hare and Denver International Airport are also highly affected, each reporting 66 cancellations. These airports serve as major hubs for United Airlines, with O’Hare also accommodating many American Airlines flights.

Travelers are feeling the immediate impact. Reports confirm that over 820 flights were canceled Friday alone. The FAA’s order is expected to ramp up cancellations further, starting with a 4% reduction and escalating to 10% by November 14. According to FlightAware, 202 flights were canceled just yesterday, highlighting the escalating situation.

The cancellations primarily affect regional and domestic routes, as the FAA has not mandated reductions for international flights. However, travelers should be aware that some cancellations might not directly relate to the FAA’s order, including specific flights from Air New Zealand and Swiss Air Lines.

Airlines remain under pressure to assist affected passengers. Most have implemented waivers allowing customers to change or cancel their flights without additional fees during this tumultuous period. Furthermore, airlines are required to offer full refunds and may provide alternative routing options for rebooking.

As the government shutdown continues, the number of affected flights is likely to grow, leaving countless passengers in limbo. Travelers are urged to stay informed and check with their airlines for the latest updates.

This situation is evolving rapidly, and the significant disruptions to air travel are likely to persist until a resolution is reached in Washington. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.