U.S. Airlines Face Widespread Cancellations as Government Shutdown Deepens

U.S. airlines and passengers faced another difficult day of disruptions as flight cancellations continued nationwide due to the ongoing government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to reduce 4 percent of flights on Saturday across 40 major airports, with the cuts expected to increase to 6 percent by Tuesday and reach 10 percent by November 14.

The reduction plan, which began early Friday morning, has already affected around 700 flights from major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Although Saturday’s schedule saw slightly fewer cancellations than the day before, the impact remained significant. United Airlines reduced 168 flights compared to 184 on Friday, while Southwest Airlines canceled just under 100 flights, down from 120.

The ongoing shutdown has placed immense strain on aviation staff. Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 airport security screeners have been working without pay, resulting in rising absenteeism and mounting safety concerns. Many air traffic controllers were informed that they would go without pay for a second consecutive period, deepening financial and emotional stress among federal workers.

As flight disruptions are expected to worsen in the coming days, the Trump administration continues to pressure Congressional Democrats to approve a Republican-backed funding proposal to end the shutdown and restore normal operations. Travelers and airlines alike brace for further challenges as the aviation system struggles to function under growing strain.