U.S. Airlines Cancel Over 2,500 Flights Amid Federal Shutdown Staffing Shortages

U.S. Airlines Cancel Over 2,500 Weekend Flights Amid Federal Shutdown

Flight disruptions continue across major U.S. airports as staffing shortages and FAA restrictions persist during the government shutdown.

U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,500 flights over the weekend as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintained its mandate to reduce air traffic amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. While the disruptions did not immediately cripple major airports, they signal mounting strain on the nation’s air travel network and broader economy.

Flight Cancellations Surge

Flight tracking data from FlightAware showed cancellations increased sharply on Saturday, a typically low-volume travel day. More than 1,500 flights were canceled Saturday alone, following just over 1,000 on Friday. By Saturday evening, airlines had already canceled another 1,000 flights scheduled for Sunday.

Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, and Newark airports reported multiple delays and cancellations throughout the day. The disruptions were exacerbated by staffing shortages at radar centers and control towers along the East Coast, including New York-area airports.

Although not all cancellations were directly linked to the FAA order, they represent a growing share of U.S. flights. The FAA initially limited flight reductions to 4% at 40 targeted airports but plans to increase cuts to 10% by Friday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that additional reductions could be necessary if the shutdown continues and more controllers remain unpaid.

Why Flights Are Being Canceled

Air traffic controllers have worked without pay for nearly a month, prompting many to call in sick and exacerbating pre-existing staffing shortages. Most are on mandatory six-day workweeks and some have taken second jobs to meet financial obligations, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).

On Saturday, NATCA delivered 1,600 handwritten letters to Congress urging an end to the shutdown.

Passenger Experience and Challenges

Despite the cancellations, most travelers reported minimal disruption on Friday, with many quickly rebooking canceled flights. Long-haul international travel has largely remained on schedule.

However, uncertainty continues for passengers unsure which flights may be canceled next. Heather Xu, 46, traveling from Miami to Puerto Rico, said last-minute disruptions added significant stress.

Rental car companies noted a surge in one-way bookings, and some travelers canceled trips entirely. Diana Alvear of Bridgewater, New Jersey, scrapped a planned family trip to California due to concerns about overworked controllers and potential delays. While United Airlines credited her airfare, the family lost nearly $700 on a non-refundable Airbnb deposit.

Economic Ripple Effects

Beyond passenger inconvenience, flight reductions may affect supply chains and consumer prices. Nearly half of U.S. air freight is transported in passenger aircraft cargo holds, and delays could increase shipping costs, according to Patrick Penfield, a supply chain professor at Syracuse University.

Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group, warned of broader economic consequences. “This shutdown is going to impact everything from cargo aircraft to business travel and tourism. It affects hotel taxes, city revenues, and creates cascading effects across the economy,” Raiff said.

Analysts caution that ongoing cancellations could worsen as Thanksgiving approaches, potentially disrupting holiday travel, tourism, and retail logistics.