UPDATE: A devastating wave of flight cancellations is hitting the U.S. aviation industry as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grapples with the fallout from the ongoing government shutdown. As of early Saturday, 755 flights have already been canceled, with projections indicating that over 1,000 more flights will be grounded on Sunday alone.
The situation escalated rapidly, with more than 1,000 flights canceled on Friday and 201 cancellations reported on Thursday, according to data from FlightAware.com. The FAA has warned that approximately 4% of domestic flights faced cancellations on Friday, a figure expected to rise to 10% by next week. Air traffic controllers, essential employees required to work despite not receiving paychecks for weeks, are increasingly calling in sick, exacerbating the crisis.
Flight reductions are set to impact 40 airports nationwide. Airlines like United Airlines have already published lists of canceled flights through Sunday, noting that travel volumes are typically lower in early November, allowing for potential rebooking options. Competitors such as Delta Airlines and American Airlines are directing passengers to their mobile apps for updates.
Chris Dane, an aviation expert and president of Hickory Global Partners, commented, “The FAA will have really a snapback. Because the controllers and the TSA people will get back pay. It will snap back very quickly within a couple of days.” This statement underscores the urgency of the current situation and the expectation of increasing delays as the shutdown persists.
In light of the cancellations, many airlines are stepping up to support their customers. United Airlines has announced that passengers flying between November 6 and 13 can request refunds or reschedule their flights free of charge. Similarly, Delta and American Airlines are offering refunds for flights scheduled between November 7 and 9, even for those in basic economy, typically non-refundable tickets. Dane emphasized, “The airlines are acting responsibly during this period.”
The impact extends beyond passenger flights; cargo operations are also feeling the strain. FedEx has confirmed that they are actively implementing operational modifications to ensure critical shipments continue moving safely through their network. In a statement, FedEx said, “Contingency plans are in place to flex our integrated air and ground network to help protect time-sensitive, critical shipments such as lifesaving pharmaceuticals and medical devices.”
Travelers are urged to stay informed and check with their airlines for real-time updates and options amid this developing crisis. With over 1,755 flights grounded this weekend and more disruptions anticipated, the urgency for action is clear.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and be prepared for possible delays and cancellations as the fallout from the government shutdown continues to impact the aviation sector.
