Overview
- Airlines canceled more than 1,500 U.S. flights by Monday morning after nearly 2,950 cancellations and about 10,800 delays on Sunday, the worst single day since the shutdown began, according to FlightAware.
- Mandatory reductions now cap operations by 4% at 40 major airports, rising to 6% on Tuesday and to 10% by November 14, with carriers pre‑canceling flights to comply.
- The FAA said late Sunday it suspended general‑aviation traffic at 12 towers facing staffing issues, including Chicago O’Hare and Reagan Washington National.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned cuts could reach 20% and said limits will remain until staffing and safety data improve, even as the Senate advanced a bill to reopen the government.
- Controllers working without pay are calling in sick or retiring at increased rates—reported up to 15–20 per day—fueling widespread disruptions that industry groups say have already affected millions and may persist after funding is restored.