Chaos In The Skies As Flights Axed Across America

Federal aviation officials are scrambling to cope with mounting staffing shortfalls among air traffic controllers.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), flights at 40 major airports are being cut by incremental amounts – initially about 4% but slated to ramp up to approximately 10 % by mid-November – due to controller absences and safety concerns.

More than 1,550 flights were cancelled and around 6,700 delayed across the weekend with Americans concerned the problem could drag on to the annual Thanksgiving celebrations.

Thousands of air traffic controllers – classified as “essential” federal workers – have been required to work without pay since the shutdown began.

The controller workforce is stretched beyond its usual limits and many are calling in sick or unable to report due to financial pressure.

For travellers, the impact is becoming more tangible. Hubs such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York), and San Francisco International Airport have seen clusters of cancellations and ground‐delays.

The FAA says safety remains the top priority, but the cascading delays and cancellations are inflaming frustration among passengers and airlines alike.

Industry leaders warn that unless the shutdown is resolved and controller staffing stabilised, flight disruptions could deepen beyond the current 10 % target – some forecasting reductions of up to 20 %.

Meanwhile, airlines are urging Congress to act, stressing that the knock‐on effects will reverberate into holiday travel, freight movement and the wider economy.

Travellers are advised to check flight status, build in extra time for connections, and prepare for the possibility of cancellations or last‐minute changes.