Airlines cancel over 1,000 flights for a second straight day largely due to government shutdown
Summary
Author style: Punchy — this story matters. U.S. carriers again cancelled more than 1,000 flights on Saturday as the Federal Aviation Administration ordered traffic reductions amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The slowdown has so far caused localized disruption at major hubs but analysts warn the effects could escalate and ripple into holiday travel, tourism and freight if staffing shortages at radar centres and towers persist.
Key Points
- More than 1,000 flights were cancelled for a second consecutive day after the FAA ordered reduced air traffic because of the government shutdown.
- The FAA initially cut about 4% of flights at 40 targeted airports, with plans to increase reductions (to 10% later in the week) if the shutdown continues.
- Charlotte airport was hit hard early Saturday; other affected hubs include Atlanta, Chicago, Denver and Newark.
- Harry Reid International (Las Vegas) reported around 20 cancellations and roughly 130 delays; Southwest accounted for the majority of cancellations there.
- Air traffic controllers, working without pay, have called in sick or taken on second jobs, worsening staffing shortages and forcing mandatory unpaid overtime.
- Passengers so far have largely been rebooked quickly, but uncertainty remains and vulnerable travellers may struggle with last-minute costs.
- Wider impacts are possible: nearly half of U.S. air freight travels in passenger-plane bellies, so shipping costs, tourism revenue and supply chains could be affected ahead of the holidays.
Content Summary
The FAA ordered reduced flight volumes at busy airports as the shutdown leaves many air traffic controllers working without pay. FlightAware recorded slightly higher disruptions on Saturday, with cancellations creeping above 1,000 for the second straight day. Some airports saw concentrated cancellations and delays, while many flights continued to operate normally. Transportation officials warned reductions will increase if the shutdown persists, and airlines and airports are preparing for a potential ramp-up of cuts heading into the holiday period.
Passengers reported mixed experiences: many were rebooked quickly, but others faced stress and extra costs. Rental car one-way bookings rose, and some travellers are cancelling trips. Industry experts cautioned that sustained flight reductions would have cascading economic effects — from higher consumer prices due to disrupted air freight to losses in tourism and local tax revenue.
Context and Relevance
This is part of the longest federal shutdown in recent memory and directly affects anyone planning travel or relying on air freight. With peak holiday travel approaching, even modest, sustained cuts can amplify delays, increase costs and stretch logistics. The story ties into broader policy and labour issues — unpaid federal workers, safety and operational resilience of the national airspace system.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you're flying soon, running a business that ships by air, or work in tourism/logistics — pay attention. This isn't just airport queue drama; it could mean pricier deliveries, cancelled plans and real knock-on losses for cities and firms. Consider checking flights and suppliers now rather than waiting for the chaos to peak.