Government Shutdown Grounds Flights Across the US
Over 1,400 US flights were cancelled on Saturday due to the federal government shutdown.
Airlines cut operations after the FAA ordered a 10% reduction in air traffic.
Nearly 6,000 other flights faced delays, though that number dropped from Friday’s 7,000.
Travelers across the country felt the pressure of mounting disruptions.
The FAA reduced capacity at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports.
Officials explained that air traffic controllers were exhausted and unpaid.
Fatigue among staff had raised serious safety concerns in recent days.
This shutdown, which began on 1 October, has now stretched into its 39th day.
Both Republicans and Democrats continue to clash over a funding deal.
American Airlines urged Congress to reach an agreement immediately.
The carrier warned that delays could hurt the economy and public trust.
Travelers are growing anxious as disruptions spread across major cities.
At Newark Liberty International Airport, arrivals averaged four-hour delays.
Departures from the same airport faced 1.5 hour holdups, according to FAA data.
Charlotte, Newark, and Chicago O’Hare topped the list for cancellations.
The FAA said its goal was to keep operations safe despite staff shortages.
Meanwhile, private jet operations also faced tighter restrictions.
Officials asked them to use smaller airports to ease pressure on controllers.
This shift, they said, allows commercial flights to move more efficiently.
FAA Secretary Duffy defended the move and called it “a fair adjustment.”
He emphasized that public safety must come before private convenience.
Travelers should expect longer waits in the coming days, he warned.
The FAA plans to raise cuts from 4% to 10% by 14 November.
As Thanksgiving approaches, travel chaos could intensify even further.
Air Traffic Controllers Struggle as Shutdown Drags On
Air traffic controllers continue to report high stress and exhaustion.
They are working without pay and facing increasing financial pressure.
Many have picked up second jobs to manage rent and basic expenses.
Union leaders say morale is sinking fast among essential workers.
Still, the FAA insists the safety of passengers remains the priority.
Across the country, 1.4 million federal employees are caught in the shutdown.
Some have been furloughed, while others are required to keep working.
TSA agents, who screen passengers daily, are also unpaid.
The Transportation Security Administration employs more than 64,000 agents.
During the 2018 shutdown, about 10% of TSA staff refused to work.
This time, officials fear similar absenteeism as financial strain deepens.
Longer security lines are already appearing at several airports.
Passengers at hubs like Atlanta and Los Angeles face growing frustration.
Despite the chaos, negotiations in Washington remain deadlocked.
Lawmakers met over the weekend, but progress appeared minimal.
Flight reductions began on Friday, starting at 4%.
They will climb to 6% by 11 November and 8% by 13 November.
By 14 November, the FAA expects to reach a full 10% reduction.
The agency says gradual steps will prevent total system overload.
However, passengers argue that every cut makes travel more uncertain.
American Airlines and other carriers are now bracing for more turbulence.
Executives warned that ongoing delays could erode consumer confidence.
Some have started rerouting flights to avoid heavily congested airports.
Others are offering limited refunds and rebooking flexibility to passengers.
Despite these efforts, travelers remain skeptical about a smooth holiday season.
Meanwhile, families dependent on federal aid are feeling the shutdown’s sting.
Food assistance programs have begun to run short on funding.
Community kitchens and local charities are stepping in to help.
For millions, the crisis extends far beyond airport terminals.
Government workers, small businesses, and passengers all await relief.
Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans continue without breakthrough.
Each side blames the other for extending the shutdown unnecessarily.
Senators say they plan to keep meeting through the weekend.
Yet optimism remains low as both parties stand firm on their positions.
Until an agreement arrives, flight cancellations are likely to climb.
The FAA’s message to travelers remains consistent: safety comes first.
Officials stress that the system can handle reduced traffic safely.
But if the shutdown lasts much longer, that stability may collapse.
With Thanksgiving weeks away, the nation’s patience is wearing thin.
Americans can only hope that Washington finally clears the runway for resolution.
