American air travel remains in chaos as the ongoing government shutdown continues to disrupt operations at major airports across the country. Despite potential progress toward ending the political stalemate, experts warn that normal operations won't resume immediately even if a deal is reached.
Massive Flight Cancellations and Delays
Since last Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration has mandated flight reductions at the nation's 40 busiest airports. This emergency measure comes as exhausted air traffic controllers, who haven't received paychecks since October 1, are calling in sick or stopping work entirely.
The scale of disruption has been staggering. Over the weekend, more than 4,500 flights were cancelled and nearly 18,700 experienced delays. As of noon Monday, approximately 1,700 additional cancellations and 3,600 delays were recorded, with about 1,000 flights already cancelled for Tuesday.
Thanksgiving Travel Crisis Looms
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivered sobering news for Americans planning holiday travel. He warned that the situation will likely worsen as the busy Thanksgiving period approaches.
"As I look two weeks out, as we get closer to Thanksgiving travel, I think what's going to happen is you're going to have air travel slow to a trickle as everyone wants to travel to see their families," Duffy told Fox News Sunday.
The FAA's reduction schedule shows the escalating nature of the crisis. Airlines were required to cut flights by 4% last Friday, 6% on Tuesday, and face a 10% reduction by week's end. International flights remain unaffected by these orders.
Political Standoff Continues
While the Senate moved toward resolving the shutdown on Sunday, with eight Democrats joining all 52 Republicans on a framework deal, final passage could still be days away. The bipartisan agreement includes funding for essential programs and backpay for furloughed federal workers, but Democrats continue to push for healthcare subsidies.
President Donald Trump weighed in Monday morning on his Truth Social platform, ordering all air traffic controllers to return to work immediately. He threatened to "substantially dock" those who don't comply while suggesting $10,000 bonuses for employees who continued working during the shutdown.
The President expressed particular frustration with controllers who called in sick, stating, "For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU."
Secretary Duffy emphasized that the flight reductions were necessary safety measures during air traffic control staffing shortages. "More controllers aren't coming to work day by day, the further they go without a paycheque," he explained, highlighting the human cost of the political impasse.
