Flight Disruptions Continue as US Air Traffic Cuts Extend

Sun Nov 09 2025 04:00:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Over 1,000 flights have been cancelled as air traffic cuts due to a government shutdown continue to ripple through US airports. With record delays and increased wait times, travelers face a chaotic situation as Thanksgiving looms.

The ongoing government shutdown has resulted in more than 1,000 flight cancellations and thousands of delays across major US airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is cutting air travel capacity by up to 10% to address fatigue among air traffic controllers who are working without pay. Newark Liberty International Airport is reporting some of the longest wait times, with significant delays at other airports as well. Concerns are growing as the holiday travel season approaches, heightening the urgency for bipartisan negotiations to resolve the funding impasse in Congress.

More than 1,000 flights to, from, or within the US were cancelled on Saturday after airlines were instructed to cut traffic amid the federal government shutdown. Approximately 4,000 flights faced delays, down from over 7,000 on Friday, according to FlightAware.

The FAA has announced a reduction of air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports due to air traffic controllers reporting fatigue while working without pay during the shutdown.

As the shutdown continues into its 39th day, both Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse regarding a funding resolution. Newark Liberty International Airport has reported significant delays, averaging over four hours for arrivals and 1.5 hours for departures.

The airports most affected include Charlotte/Douglas International, Newark Liberty, and Chicago O'Hare. With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, travelers face an increasingly dire situation as the FAA prepares to ramp up flight cancellations over the coming days. Additionally, private jet restrictions are now in place to alleviate pressure on busy airports.

Senators are in Washington for bipartisan negotiations, amidst the fact that many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are also working without pay.