WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 1,400 flights to, from, or within the United States were canceled on Saturday, as airlines continued to cut traffic following federal orders during the ongoing government shutdown.
According to FlightAware, nearly 6,000 additional flights were delayed on Saturday — slightly fewer than the 7,000+ delays recorded on Friday.
FAA Implements Nationwide Flight Reductions
Earlier this week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it would reduce air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The move comes as air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay, report increasing levels of fatigue and burnout.
The decision marks the latest consequence of the 39-day shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history.
Political Stalemate Deepens
Members of Congress remain gridlocked over how to resolve the funding impasse. Senators stayed in Washington through the weekend to continue bipartisan negotiations.
Republicans rejected a Democratic proposal to pass the current funding bill in exchange for a one-year extension to federal health care subsidies.
Meanwhile, the shutdown’s effects are spreading nationwide — from delayed food aid payments to crippled transportation systems.
In a statement Saturday, American Airlines urged lawmakers “to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown.”
Major Airports See Significant Delays
Some of the worst delays were reported at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, where arrivals were delayed by over four hours and departures by about 90 minutes, according to the FAA.
Other airports with the highest number of cancellations included:
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
In New York, flights to John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) experienced delays averaging three hours and one hour, respectively.
Additional slowdowns were reported at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching on November 27, experts warn that travel disruptions are likely to worsen.
Private Jet Restrictions Added
It’s not just commercial flights feeling the strain. Private jet operations have also been restricted.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Saturday on X (formerly Twitter) that private aircraft are now being redirected to smaller airports to relieve congestion at major hubs.
“We’ve reduced their volume at high-traffic airports — instead having private jets utilize smaller airfields so busy controllers can focus on commercial aviation,” Duffy wrote. “That’s only fair.”
Gradual Flight Cuts to Expand
According to the FAA, flight reductions will ramp up gradually over the coming week:
- 4% of flights cut on Friday
- 6% by November 11
- 8% by November 13
- 10% by November 14
The FAA said the cuts are essential to maintain safety standards, as air traffic controllers continue to work long hours without pay.
Workers Face Mounting Pressure
Controllers are among 1.4 million federal employees either working without pay or placed on forced leave during the shutdown.
Many are reportedly calling in sick or taking second jobs to cover basic expenses, according to union representatives.
Another challenge comes from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), where most of the agency’s 64,000 employees are also working without pay.
During the 2018–2019 government shutdown, about 10% of TSA staff called out rather than report to work without receiving paychecks — a pattern officials fear could repeat.
