Air travel across the United States faced major turbulence today as over 700 flights cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing long delays. The widespread disruption came after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduced operations due to the ongoing government shutdown
Why Were So Many Flights Cancelled?
The issue began early Friday morning when airlines started grounding flights following limited staff availability at air traffic control centers. The FAA announced that several non-essential employees were placed on temporary leave, which affected flight coordination and safety checks.
With fewer air traffic controllers and safety inspectors on duty, the agency instructed airlines to reduce the number of flights to avoid overcrowding in the skies.
According to reports, New York’s JFK, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) saw the most cancellations. Some regional airports also faced heavy delays, causing ripple effects across the entire flight network.
Which Airlines Were Affected Most?
Major US carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest were among the hardest hit. American Airlines alone cancelled more than 200 flights, while United and Delta each reported over 150 cancellations.
Budget carriers such as Spirit and Frontier also reported operational challenges, particularly at busy East Coast airports. Airlines are offering free rebooking options, travel credits, and refund choices to ease passenger frustration.
700 flights cancelled
The cancellation of more than 700 flights cancelled across US airports serves as a reminder of how interconnected air travel and government operations are. While safety remains the top priority, the disruption has caused massive inconvenience to travelers.
If you’re planning to fly soon, stay updated through your airline’s official channels and allow extra time for security checks and delays.
What Passengers Are Saying
Many travelers took to social media to express their disappointment and confusion. Some reported waiting for hours without updates, while others were thankful for early alerts from airline apps that saved them unnecessary trips to the airport.
Travel experts recommend that anyone with flights scheduled this weekend should check real-time flight updates on airline websites or apps before heading out.
When Will Things Get Back to Normal?
Industry insiders suggest that normal operations could resume once the government shutdown ends or the FAA receives clearance to recall more staff. For now, airlines are adjusting their schedules and adding extra flights over the weekend to help stranded passengers reach their destinations.