US Airlines Face Major Flight Disruptions Amid Government Shutdown
U.S. airlines canceled over 2,700 flights on Sunday due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) directive to reduce air traffic. This disruption, now in its third day, has severely affected 40 of the country’s busiest airports.
The FAA ordered flight reductions last week after some air traffic controllers, unpaid for nearly a month, stopped reporting to work. This has led to growing delays and cancellations nationwide, especially as the busy Thanksgiving travel season approaches.
Impact on Airports and Travelers
- Long lines formed at major airports including Chicago O’Hare International, Detroit Metropolitan, and LaGuardia Airport in New York.
- American Eagle and American Airlines faced significant gate hold-ups at LaGuardia.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air traffic would “slow to a trickle” if the shutdown continues into the holiday travel period.
FlightAware, a flight tracking platform, reported nearly 10,000 flight delays on Sunday alone, highlighting the extent of the travel chaos.
Visual Impact on Airports
- Passengers queued at TSA checkpoints, facing longer wait times.
- Airlines struggled to manage operations amid reduced staffing.
These disruptions are expected to increase if the government shutdown is not resolved soon.
Author’s summary: The government shutdown has caused widespread airline cancellations and delays, intensifying travel challenges as Thanksgiving approaches.
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