Thousands of Flights Canceled Amid Ongoing FAA Shutdown Crisis

UPDATE: Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed yet again on Monday, November 10, 2023, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implements drastic service cuts due to ongoing air traffic controller shortages amid the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. With the shutdown now in its 41st day, many controllers are working without pay, leading to severe fatigue and safety concerns.

As of 8 p.m. Monday, there were 2,747 cancellations and 8,337 delays reported across U.S. airports, according to FlightAware. This crisis is exacerbated by a recent FAA order mandating a 4% reduction in flights at 40 major airports, creating a ripple effect on smaller regional airports.

The weather also played a significant role, particularly in Chicago where a major snowstorm wreaked havoc. At O’Hare International Airport, the second-busiest airport in the nation, 321 departures (23% of flights) were canceled, while 314 arrivals faced cancellations (22%). Delays at O’Hare averaged more than 6 hours, pushing some travelers to abandon air travel altogether.

One couple, Grace Butler and her boyfriend, found themselves stranded on Interstate 57 near Onarga, Illinois, for two hours due to the snowstorm. “No visibility, road is covered with snow and ice,” Butler shared. “I’ve lived in Chicago my whole life and never seen a blizzard this bad.”

The situation was similarly dire at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, which recorded 150 cancellations (12% of arrivals) and 82 departures (6% canceled). LaGuardia Airport in New York also reported 86 cancellations (15% of departures). Other heavily impacted airports included Boston Logan International and Newark International.

Transportation Secretary Duffy emphasized the critical nature of this ongoing situation, stating, “It’s vital for our air traffic controllers to show up for work despite not getting paid.” President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, urging controllers to “get back to work, NOW,” and announced intentions to reward those who continue working with a potential $10,000 bonus for “distinguished service.”

However, safety concerns are escalating. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, warned of increasing risks as fatigue mounts among controllers. “The fatigue has led to the erosion of safety,” Daniels stated, highlighting that controllers are now forced to prioritize survival over public safety.

American Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, David Seymour, condemned the ongoing disruptions, insisting that air traffic controllers should be paid promptly rather than waiting for back pay after the shutdown ends. “This is simply unacceptable, and everyone deserves better,” Seymour said.

The FAA and government officials face mounting pressure to resolve this crisis, as travel disruptions continue to affect millions of Americans. With the shutdown persisting, the aviation sector is bracing for further complications that could extend well beyond the government’s reopening.

As this situation develops, travelers are urged to stay updated on flight statuses and potential cancellations. The impact of the federal shutdown is palpable, and the ripple effects are being felt across the nation.

Stay tuned for more urgent updates as authorities work to address the ongoing crisis in air travel.