The US federal government shutdown, now in its 40th day, has led to over 2,000 flight cancellations and 8,000 delays. Staffing shortages and FAA-imposed flight reductions at major airports threaten Thanksgiving travel and could impact fourth-quarter economic growth.
The US government will cut flight operations by 10% at 40 airports from Friday as the record federal shutdown hits air traffic control staffing. The FAA says the move is necessary to maintain safety standards amid mounting pressure.
Over 4,000 US flights were delayed Monday amid a prolonged government shutdown, with thousands of air traffic controllers and TSA staff working unpaid. The FAA warned of ongoing disruptions as airports face staff shortages and growing operational strain.
A telecommunications outage in Dallas caused massive flight disruptions, delaying over 1,800 flights and cancelling hundreds at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines were heavily impacted, with delays spreading nationwide.
