More than 800 Flights Cut Across the US amid Government Paralysis
Travelers faced widespread delays and rushed to find alternatives, endangering holiday travel and national air connectivity. Over 800 flights were canceled across the United States on Friday due to reductions ordered by the Trump administration.
These cuts aimed to ease the strain on air traffic controllers working without pay during a prolonged congressional deadlock over funding the federal budget.
Airports Affected and Government Shutdown Impact
- Forty airports, including major hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles, experienced slowdowns.
- Congress is stalemated over spending priorities, including healthcare, causing a federal funding shutdown.
- Many government employees, including essential airport staff, are either furloughed or working without pay during this nearly six-week crisis.
Flight Reductions and Cancellations
The gradual flight reductions began with a 4% cut, expected to rise to 10% if Congress fails to reach a funding agreement by next week. FlightAware reported over 800 cancellations on Friday alone, surpassing cancellations from the prior three days combined.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium stated, "Three percent of US flights had been canceled so far."
The full impact remains uncertain as the situation evolves.
Summary
The ongoing government shutdown has forced significant flight cancellations and threatens to disrupt U.S. air travel during a critical holiday period.
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