US Airlines Cancel 1,200 Flights as Government Shutdown Cripples Travel

Major US airlines canceled approximately 1,200 flights on Tuesday. This marks the fifth straight day of mass cancellations. The disruptions stem from a record-long government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated flight reductions to address safety concerns.The FAA ordered airlines to cut schedules starting November 7. This was due to critical air traffic controller staffing shortages. According to Reuters, flight cuts were set to increase from 4% to 10% by the end of the week.

FAA Mandates Deepens Air Travel Chaos

The FAA instructed carriers to reduce flights at 40 major airports. Staffing issues forced an initial 4% cut last Friday. That reduction was raised to 6% by Tuesday. It was scheduled to hit 10% by Friday, November 14.Airlines and the FAA are now discussing how to end the cuts. The talks come as the 42-day shutdown nears a potential end. The Senate has already approved legislation to fund the government. The House is expected to vote on the measure soon.

Staffing Crisis Takes Toll on Controllers and Passengers

The shutdown has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers to work without pay. The FAA was already short about 3,500 controllers before the crisis. Many had been working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks. The strain has led to increased absences and safety worries.Passengers have borne the brunt of the disruptions. Over 1.2 million travelers faced delays or cancellations last weekend alone. On Monday, airlines canceled 2,900 flights and delayed 9,600 more. The situation improved slightly on Tuesday with only one major staffing issue reported.

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The ongoing government shutdown continues to paralyze US air travel. With thousands of flights canceled, the government shutdown has created a crisis for both airlines and passengers. A resolution in Congress is urgently needed to restore normal operations.

Thought you’d like to know

Why are so many flights being canceled?

Flights are canceled due to FAA-mandated reductions. The agency ordered cuts to address air traffic controller staffing shortages. This was deemed necessary for passenger safety.

How long will these flight cancellations last?

The cancellations are tied to the government shutdown. Airlines and the FAA are discussing when to end the cuts. A resolution depends on the shutdown ending.

Which airlines are most affected?

Major carriers like American, United, Delta, and Southwest are all impacted. The flight reductions apply to 40 major US airports. No single airline is immune to the disruptions.

What is being done to resolve the situation?

The Senate has voted to approve funding to end the shutdown. The House is set to take up the legislation. This would allow controllers to return to full pay and staffing.

How many air traffic controllers are affected?

Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay. The FAA was already short about 3,500 controllers before the shutdown. The staffing crisis has been building for years.