More than 800 flights in the United States have been canceled following a directive from federal authorities to reduce operations at 40 major airports due to the ongoing Government shutdown. Travelers are now experiencing disruptions, with long lines and significant delays. The decision, affecting only domestic flights, was taken due to air traffic controllers reporting fatigue, according to the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Around 1.4 million federal employees, including air traffic controllers and park rangers, are either working without pay or are on mandatory leave due to the lack of a budget agreement by the US Congress. Major airports such as those in Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Washington DC are feeling the impact of the reduced services.
US Vice President JD Vance has issued a warning, labeling the situation as an “aviation emergency” amidst the ongoing shutdown. He criticized lawmakers for their failure to resolve the issue, stating that the consequences of the shutdown are affecting the entire nation.
The flight cutbacks will be phased in gradually, starting with a 4% reduction in domestic flights on Friday. This percentage will increase to 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and ultimately reach a 10% reduction by November 14.