More than 1,000 U.S. flights were canceled Friday as airlines complied with federal orders to scale back operations during the prolonged government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has instructed carriers to reduce service at major airports due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers who have gone unpaid for weeks. While airlines report stable weekend schedules, officials warn that disruptions could deepen if the shutdown continues.

Flight Cancellations Mount Across the Country

Thousands of travelers faced mounting frustration Friday as major U.S. airlines canceled over 1,000 flights to comply with new FAA directives. The move is intended to manage safety and operational capacity amid a growing wave of staff shortages among air traffic controllers, many of whom have missed paychecks since the government shutdown began nearly a month ago.

According to data from FlightAware, cancellations on Friday were five times higher than the day before. Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., saw the highest number of disruptions, with roughly 18% of its flights canceled. Major hubs in Atlanta, Denver, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Chicago O’Hare were also affected but reported smaller cutbacks of around 3%.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News that if the shutdown persists and more controllers fail to report for duty after missing another paycheck, the FAA could expand the reduction from 10% of flights to as much as 20% nationwide.

Airlines Work to Rebook Passengers and Manage Schedules

Despite the cancellations, carriers stressed that most travelers are being rebooked on later flights with minimal delays. Airlines have focused the cuts on smaller regional routes to limit the impact on passengers traveling through major hubs.

Delta Air Lines said it canceled about 170 flights on Friday, while American Airlines expected to cut around 220 flights daily through Monday. Southwest Airlines trimmed approximately 120 flights the same day. Both United Airlines and American said they were able to rebook most affected travelers quickly, ensuring limited disruption for international routes.

The FAA said its order will initially reduce operations by about 4% at the busiest airports, ramping up to 10% next week as more staff shortages are confirmed.

Long Lines, Missed Connections, and Costly Alternatives

At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, security lines stretched through the terminal before sunrise, with some travelers resorting to sitting or lying on the floor while waiting.

“It was snaking around all different parts of the regular area,” said passenger Cara Bergeron, who had flown from Houston to Atlanta. “I’ve never seen anything like that.”

Other passengers faced greater logistical challenges. Karen Soika, a Connecticut-based surgeon, discovered that her rebooked flight was departing from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport instead of Newark, New Jersey — forcing her to improvise. Unable to secure a rental car, she decided to drive a U-Haul truck cross-country to reach a television production in Utah.

Rental car companies like Hertz reported a noticeable increase in one-way bookings as more travelers sought ground alternatives to canceled flights.

Economic and Logistical Ripples Beyond Passenger Travel

Experts warn that the aviation slowdown could ripple through the broader economy if it continues. Nearly half of all U.S. air freight is transported in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft. Reduced flight capacity could therefore raise shipping costs and strain supply chains, said Patrick Penfield, a professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University.

“Air travel is part of the infrastructure backbone of the American economy,” added Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group. “This shutdown is going to impact everything from cargo to business travel to tourism.”

Airports are also taking measures to support federal workers. Denver International Airport has created a food pantry for unpaid employees and has requested permission from the FAA to use its revenue to help cover wages — though officials say no response has yet been received.

FAA Cites Safety and Workforce Strain

The FAA explained that the flight reductions are meant to relieve excessive pressure on air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working six-day weeks with mandatory overtime since the shutdown began. As financial stress builds, absenteeism has increased, leading to concerns about fatigue and safety oversight.

“I don’t want to see the disruption. I don’t want to see the delays,” Transportation Secretary Duffy said at a press briefing at Reagan National Airport. “But we must prioritize safety above all else.”

While the FAA has not specified how long the flight cuts will remain in place, officials say the measure will continue until operational data confirms that staffing levels and safety conditions have stabilized.

What Travelers Should Know About Their Rights

Under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, airlines must refund passengers whose flights are canceled if they choose not to travel. However, carriers are not legally required to provide compensation for food, lodging, or additional transportation unless the cancellation is directly within the airline’s control.

Passengers are advised to monitor flight updates closely, arrive early, and prepare backup travel options. Travel adviser Christina Schlegel from Arlington, Virginia, said she has been encouraging clients to remain calm but proactive.

“People really should be thinking, ‘What else can I do?’” she said. “Can I already research other potential flights or nearby airports? Having that information in your back pocket helps.”

Uncertain Days Ahead for U.S. Aviation

Industry analysts say airlines are facing unprecedented operational uncertainty as the government shutdown continues without a clear end date.

“The uncertainty makes it challenging for airlines to rationally plan their response and optimize flight operations,” said Kerry Tan, a professor of economics at Loyola University Maryland.

For now, U.S. carriers continue to adjust schedules daily while urging passengers to stay informed. But with federal aviation staff still unpaid and safety operations under strain, the path to full normalcy in U.S. skies remains unclear.

Source: AP News – US airlines cancel 1,000 flights while complying with shutdown order

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Heads-up, travelers: United Airlines is tightening its check-in window for domestic flights — and that means you’ll need to be a bit more punctual, even if you’re just carrying a backpack.

Starting June 3, all passengers flying United within the U.S. must check in at least 45 minutes before departure, regardless of whether they’re checking bags or not. Previously, travelers without checked luggage had until 30 minutes before takeoff to check in.

United says the change will make things more consistent and keep flights running on time — something all airlines are aiming for as post-pandemic travel demand continues to surge.

“It brings greater consistency for our customers,” a United spokesperson told The Associated Press, noting that the updated policy aligns with many other major carriers.

Why Check-In Cutoffs Matter

Checking in confirms your spot on the flight and gets you that crucial boarding pass. Most airlines let you check in online starting 24 hours before departure, but the final deadline is still important — especially for those cutting it close.

Airlines also rely on these deadlines to finalize seat assignments, manage gate operations, and ensure passengers show up at security on time. International flights usually have earlier cutoffs to account for extra time needed for customs and passport checks.

How United’s New Cutoff Compares

Here’s a quick breakdown of check-in deadlines across some major U.S. airlines — so you can plan ahead, no matter who you’re flying with:

United Airlines

• Domestic flights: Check in at least 45 minutes before departure — whether or not you have checked bags.
• International flights: Minimum check-in is 60 minutes before departure, but this varies by airport.
  • Paris & Dubai: 75 minutes
  • Toronto & Lagos: 90 minutes
  • Guam to Honolulu / St. Thomas: 90 minutes

Delta Air Lines

• Domestic flights:
  • No checked bags: Check in at least 30 minutes before departure
  • With checked bags: 45 minutes
• International flights: At least 60 minutes before takeoff
  • JFK (New York): Even for domestic flights with checked bags, check in 60 minutes early

American Airlines

• Domestic flights: 45-minute check-in and bag check deadline
• International flights: 60 minutes — applies to both check-in and checked baggage
  • Some airports may require even earlier check-ins

Southwest Airlines

• Baggage check: Bags must be dropped at least 45 minutes before departure
  • Late luggage might not make the flight
• General check-in: No hard deadline listed, but if you’re not checked in and at the gate 10 minutes before takeoff, your reservation could be canceled
• International flights: Minimum 60-minute check-in, but some destinations like Aruba require check-in 75 minutes before departure — with or without checked bags

Alaska Airlines

• Domestic flights: Check-in cutoff is 50 minutes before departure
• International flights: 60-minute minimum
  • Exceptions: Some routes, like from Guadalajara, Mexico, require 90-minute check-ins

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, it’s worth getting familiar with your airline’s check-in policy — especially now that United is trimming down its window. A few extra minutes might not seem like much, but when you’re racing through TSA or stuck in a check-in line, they can make all the difference between wheels up… or being left behind.

Pro tip: Check in online early (up to 24 hours before departure) and arrive at the airport with time to spare — especially if you’re flying during busy travel periods or from airports with longer processing times.

Source: AP News – United is narrowing its check-in window for US flights. Here’s how it compares to other airlines

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After years of delays, the REAL ID deadline is finally here — and this time, it looks like there won’t be another extension. Starting May 7, anyone flying within the U.S. will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights.

If you’re not sure what that means or whether you already have one, here’s a simple breakdown to help you get ready.

What Is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Besides flying domestically, you’ll also need a REAL ID to enter certain federal buildings and military facilities.

Why Was the REAL ID Introduced?

The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 as a response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government standardize state-issued IDs for improved security.

“The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification,” said John Essig, TSA Security Director for the New York City region.

Although originally scheduled to roll out in 2008, implementation faced delays due to state-level challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, creating confusion and a lack of urgency among travelers.

How Do I Know If I Already Have a REAL ID?

You might already have a REAL ID and not even know it. Many newer licenses are compliant.

To check:

• Look for a star symbol in the top corner of your license (common in most states).
• If you live in New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, or Washington, you might have an enhanced driver’s license instead. These cards have a U.S. flag icon and the word “Enhanced” at the top. They allow land and sea border crossings into Canada and Mexico — and they work for domestic flights.

Still unsure? It’s worth a quick look at your ID before heading to the DMV.

How Can I Get a REAL ID?

Requirements vary by state, so start by visiting your state DMV website. Generally, you’ll need:

• An in-person appointment
• Documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and residency (such as a birth certificate, utility bill, or Social Security card)

Appointments may be limited, so don’t wait too long.

What Happens If I Don’t Have a REAL ID by May 7?

If you show up to the airport without a REAL ID after May 7, you’ll need a passport or another TSA-approved form of ID to board your flight.

Otherwise, you risk being delayed, subject to extra screening, or even denied access to the security checkpoint, according to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.

Could the Deadline Be Delayed Again?

Not likely. Even though some officials, like a group of Kentucky state senators, have called for another extension due to appointment shortages, the TSA says the deadline is firm.

“There are no plans to push it back again,” said TSA spokesperson Dan Velez.

As of late April, about 81% of travelers were already presenting valid forms of ID at airport checkpoints.

Bottom Line

If you plan to fly within the U.S. and don’t yet have a REAL ID, now’s the time to act. Check your license, visit your DMV’s website, and schedule an appointment if needed. After May 7, it’s REAL ID or real problems at the airport.

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A widespread power outage disrupted life across Bali on Friday, throwing parts of Indonesia’s top tourist destination into temporary chaos.

The blackout affected several areas on the island, leading to traffic congestion, long queues at the airport, and disruptions to daily activities, according to state power company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN).

Despite the outage, Ngurah Rai International Airport remained operational. Inbound and outbound flights continued as scheduled, the airport’s management confirmed via Instagram. However, social media posts showed long lines forming at check-in counters, likely due to reduced power in terminal systems.

PLN officials said they are still investigating the cause of the blackout.

“The recovery process is currently being carried out gradually,”
— PLN spokesperson I Wayan Eka Susana

Photos and videos shared online showed stalled traffic at major intersections, with some traffic lights out of service. Locals and tourists alike reported minor disruptions, though no major incidents were immediately linked to the outage.

Bali, often dubbed the crown jewel of Indonesian tourism, welcomed over 6.3 million foreign visitors last year alone. The outage, while temporary, served as a reminder of the island’s heavy reliance on steady infrastructure to keep both tourism and daily life running smoothly.

Authorities are urging patience as restoration efforts continue and have promised updates as more information becomes available.

Source: CNN – Blackout in Bali as Indonesian tourist haven hit by power outage

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A Power Outage Sparks Global Travel Chaos

Heathrow’s chief executive has defended the airport’s response to a massive power outage that led to a complete shutdown, disrupting global travel. While apologizing to stranded passengers, he described the incident as “unprecedented.”

A fire in an electrical substation in Hayes, a London suburb, plunged Heathrow—one of the world’s busiest airports—into darkness on Friday. The blackout also affected thousands of homes, bringing operations at the airport to a halt.

The shutdown is estimated to have impacted around 150,000 passengers and may cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damages to the aviation industry. The British government announced that the National Energy System Operator (NESO) will investigate the cause of the outage and assess potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

Heathrow CEO Defends Airport’s Preparedness

Despite the crisis, Heathrow’s CEO Thomas Woldbye expressed confidence in the airport’s response. He emphasized that airports commonly rely on a single power source and insisted that Heathrow’s backup systems functioned as intended.

“All our backup systems were up and running. Our tower was operational, and our runways remained functional,” Woldbye told BBC Radio 4. However, he admitted that resetting the airport’s systems led to widespread disruptions.

“Heathrow uses as much energy as a city every single day,” Woldbye explained, adding that full backup power for baggage systems, fuel operations, and air bridges would require a dedicated power plant on standby.

While acknowledging the distress caused, he assured passengers that the airport was “operating as normal” but warned that clearing the backlog of delayed flights would take time.

Stranded Passengers Face Uncertainty

Thousands of travelers were caught off guard by the shutdown, struggling to find alternative flights and accommodations.

Yousef Alderees, a 19-year-old student, was among those stranded. He was supposed to fly home to Kuwait but found himself stuck in London.

“It was a mess,” Alderees told Reuters. He had reached Paddington Station to take a train to Heathrow but was told all airport-bound trains were canceled.

“We couldn’t find another hotel because everything was fully booked. It was a disaster,” he added.

Airlines have warned of delays for several days, as aircraft and crew were diverted to other airports, creating logistical challenges in redeploying staff and planes.

Power Restored, Investigation Underway

On Saturday morning, British utility company National Grid confirmed that power had been restored to all affected customers. More than 16,000 homes lost electricity due to the fire, forcing around 150 people to evacuate.

London’s counterterrorism police have launched an investigation into the fire. While Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated there was “no suggestion of foul play,” police remain “open-minded” about the cause.

Miliband later announced on social media that NESO will conduct a formal review to assess Heathrow’s energy resilience and identify broader lessons for national infrastructure.

Heathrow has also pledged its own review of the crisis response, to be led by Ruth Kelly, a former British transport minister and independent board member at the airport.

Heathrow Expansion: Is the Airport Ready for Growth?

The disruption raises fresh concerns about Heathrow’s ability to handle future expansion. In 2023, Heathrow was the world’s fourth-busiest airport, serving a record-breaking 83.9 million passengers.

Earlier this year, the UK government approved plans for a third runway, despite fierce opposition from environmentalists and local residents. The expansion could increase Heathrow’s annual flights from 480,000 to 720,000, significantly boosting capacity.

When asked whether Heathrow can be trusted to handle such growth, Woldbye remained confident.

“I have full trust in the fact that we can build a third runway that is resilient,” he stated, rejecting claims that the airport had been complacent about crisis preparedness.

As Heathrow resumes operations, all eyes will be on how effectively it manages its recovery—and whether lessons from this outage will lead to improved safeguards for the future.

SourceL: CNN – Heathrow boss defends response as airport resumes flights after fire brought facility to standstill

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An American Airlines flight (AA292) from New York to New Delhi was diverted to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International Airport on Sunday due to a security concern that was later deemed non-credible. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were cleared after security inspections.

Unscheduled Landing in Rome

According to American Airlines, the flight was rerouted as a precautionary measure. Upon landing, law enforcement inspected the aircraft, ensuring safety before it was cleared to continue to its destination.

“The flight will remain in Rome overnight for required crew rest before departing for New Delhi as soon as possible tomorrow,” the airline stated.

The reason for the security concern was not disclosed, but the inspection was conducted as part of standard safety procedures.

Fighter Jets Escort Plane to Rome

An Associated Press reporter captured footage of two fighter jets escorting the flight as it approached Rome, indicating heightened security. Fire trucks were also stationed along the runway upon landing.

One of the passengers, Neeraj Chopra, said that about three hours before the scheduled arrival in New Delhi, the captain announced a change in security status requiring them to divert.

“At first, everyone remained calm, but when the captain later mentioned fighter jets escorting us, I started feeling anxious,” Chopra told the AP.

Another passenger, Jonathan Bacon, 22, from Dayton, Ohio, closely monitored the flight tracker and noticed the aircraft making a sharp turn away from New Delhi before heading back toward Rome.

Security Screenings After Landing

After landing, passengers were taken by bus to the terminal, where they and their belongings underwent additional security checks.

Bacon described the process as “slightly heightened,” with delays in retrieving checked baggage due to extra screenings.

“It was definitely the longest flight to Europe I’ve ever taken,” Bacon remarked.

Despite the disruption, Rome’s airport continued operating normally, according to an airport spokesperson.

Next Steps

With the aircraft and crew scheduled for rest, American Airlines plans to resume the journey to New Delhi on Monday. The incident underscores the airline’s commitment to passenger safety, ensuring all necessary protocols were followed before allowing the flight to continue.

Source

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