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U.S. Air Travel Tops 2,000 Cancellations as FAA Flight Caps Bite During Shutdown

Unpaid air traffic controllers have created a safety-driven staffing shortfall that is forcing phased FAA capacity cuts.

Overview

  • By Sunday evening, trackers reported more than 2,200 cancellations and over 7,500 delays nationwide, with Atlanta and Newark among the hardest hit.
  • The FAA has imposed phased reductions at roughly 40 major airports, set at 4% now and scheduled to rise to about 6% on Tuesday and 10% by November 14 during peak hours.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned travel could dwindle to a trickle ahead of Thanksgiving and said cuts may reach 15%–20% if funding is not restored.
  • Airlines including United, American, Delta and Southwest are offering broad refunds and free changes to help passengers rebook during the disruptions.
  • Controller absences and accelerated retirements persist as unions urge Congress to act, with the Senate remaining in session but no funding deal yet in place.