Canadian travellers planning trips to the United States are facing significant disruptions as widespread flight cancellations and delays ripple across the border due to an unprecedented U.S. government shutdown.
Massive Disruptions at U.S. Airports
The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented emergency measures that are dramatically reducing air traffic across the country. Beginning Friday, November 7, 2025, flights at 40 high-volume airports were reduced by 4%, with cuts expected to reach 10% by mid-November.
According to flight tracking data from FlightAware.com, the impact was immediate and severe. By early afternoon Friday, there had been more than 850 cancelled flights within, into, or out of the United States. Additionally, travellers suffered through more than 2,600 flight delays as the system struggled to cope.
The FAA's emergency order stated these reductions are necessary "to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficiency of the National Airspace System." The flight cuts are in effect daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time at all affected airports.
Government Shutdown Creates Critical Staffing Crisis
These travel disruptions stem from a record-breaking U.S. government shutdown that has now stretched to 37 days and counting. While air traffic controllers are considered essential employees and continue working, they haven't received pay since October 1.
The situation has created dangerous working conditions. Controllers are experiencing extreme fatigue, increased stress, and taking more sick leave after being forced to work six-day weeks with mandatory overtime.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivered sobering warnings about the escalating crisis. "Every day there's going to be more challenges," Duffy told reporters after meeting with White House officials and aviation leaders. He also cautioned that U.S. air travel could be shut down entirely next week if conditions don't improve.
How Canadian Travellers Are Affected
While international flights aren't directly targeted by the FAA's order, Canadians are feeling the effects in several ways:
- Any connecting flights within the U.S. may be cancelled or delayed
- Canadian flights that cross into U.S. airspace, including domestic routes and travel to Mexico, could be impacted
- The reduction in overall capacity creates a snowball effect throughout the North American aviation system
Major hubs experiencing the most cancellations include Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Francisco. All major commercial airlines, including American, Delta, and United, have been forced to cancel flights to comply with the FAA directive.
Airlines are scrambling to rebook affected passengers onto alternative flights, but capacity constraints are making this increasingly difficult as the shutdown continues.
Transportation experts advise Canadian travellers with upcoming U.S. trips to monitor their flight status closely and check with their airline before heading to the airport. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further disruptions as the government shutdown enters its second month with no resolution in sight.
