Urgent: 10% of Flights to Be Cancelled Amid Shutdown Crisis

UPDATE: Starting this Friday, November 7, 10% of flights will be cancelled at 40 major U.S. airports due to the ongoing government shutdown, confirmed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. This alarming decision signals a potential travel crisis for millions as air traffic controllers struggle to manage airspace without pay.

The implications of these cancellations are immediate and severe. With the shutdown still in effect, air traffic controllers are facing immense stress and fatigue, leading to a troubling trend of employees calling in sick to take on other jobs. 5,000 flights faced delays just last Sunday, with travelers at LAX experiencing an hour-long wait on average. As the holiday season approaches, this situation could spiral into chaos, impacting millions of travelers.

Duffy revealed that the cancellations will not prioritize traffic flow or passenger convenience but instead aim to alleviate pressure on federal workers. This means that disruptions will ripple across the aviation system, causing further delays, cancellations, and missed connections. The interconnected nature of air travel means that a reduction in flights at select airports will have cascading effects nationwide.

Adding to the urgency, National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels warned that “every single day that this goes on tomorrow is now less safe than today.” The situation is exacerbated by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers facing similar pay issues, leading to long lines at security checkpoints—some reportedly lasting up to four-and-a-half hours.

With Thanksgiving just 21 days away, the potential for unprecedented travel disruptions looms. Last year, approximately 20 million Americans took to the skies during the Thanksgiving weekend, and the airline lobby Airlines for America is anticipating a record holiday travel season. If the shutdown persists through the holidays, recovery will take weeks, increasing the likelihood of chaos at airports.

Travelers should stay informed and prepare for the possibility of cancellations and delays as the situation develops. With winter weather conditions expected, this could be just the beginning of a travel nightmare for those planning to fly during the busiest time of the year.

As this developing story unfolds, officials urge travelers to remain vigilant and to keep an eye on updates regarding their flights. The aviation industry is bracing for impact, and the consequences of this shutdown could be felt across the nation.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation evolves.