The United States aviation sector has been thrown into chaos amid the ongoing government shutdown, now stretching into its 40th day, marking the longest in American history.
Over 2,800 flights were cancelled and nearly 10,000 delayed nationwide on Sunday, as the shutdown led to critical staff shortages across airports, including air traffic control and security checkpoints.
Industry experts are calling it the worst airline disruption since the pandemic, with passenger congestion, cancellations, and delays rippling across all major hubs — from New York’s JFK and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
FAA Operations Severely Hit
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which oversees air traffic operations, has been operating with limited personnel due to budget freezes under the shutdown.
A senior FAA official said that nearly 40% of air traffic controllers are either working unpaid overtime or have stopped reporting to duty. The agency has also been forced to suspend training programs, leaving dozens of control towers understaffed.
“We are running on minimum manpower. Fatigue and burnout are real threats to safety now,” the official told NDTV Profit.
Airports in Chicago, Denver, and Dallas reported runway congestion and extended taxi delays, causing chain disruptions in connecting flights.
Government Shutdown Impact on Aviation
The shutdown has halted multiple non-essential federal operations, including parts of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Homeland Security, directly impacting the aviation system.
Transportation analysts say the FAA’s inability to process new certifications and safety inspections has grounded several aircraft, leading to cascading cancellations.
Airlines have been forced to rework flight schedules, merge routes, and cancel flights preemptively to manage available crew resources.
“We’ve reached a tipping point. Without restored funding, the aviation system could face safety compromises and economic losses running into billions,” said an airline industry lobbyist.
Economic Fallout Mounts
The aviation disruption comes as the US government shutdown enters its sixth week, following a budget deadlock in Congress.
Airlines have lost an estimated $1.2 billion in combined revenue.
Airport concessions and tourism industries report declining footfall.
Business travelers and cargo services face nationwide delays, impacting supply chains.
Experts warn that the longer the shutdown continues, the larger the economic ripple effect will be — affecting fuel suppliers, catering services, and even hotel chains.
Passenger Chaos at Major Airports
Passengers across the US reported hours-long queues, missed connections, and cancelled vacations.
Social media was flooded with complaints as major carriers like Delta, United, American Airlines, and Southwest struggled to accommodate stranded travelers.
At New York’s LaGuardia Airport, several flights were cancelled after air traffic control reported an inability to handle full capacity safely.
“We waited three hours on the runway before being told our flight was cancelled,” a passenger from Atlanta said.
Many passengers are now demanding full refunds and compensation, though airlines cite “government-related disruption” as a reason beyond their control.
White House and Congress Still Deadlocked
Talks between the White House and Congressional leaders over federal funding remain inconclusive.
The shutdown began after disagreements on budget allocations for defense and infrastructure spending.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the Department of Transportation has warned that continued funding gaps will make it impossible to sustain safe aviation operations.
Analysts fear the situation could worsen ahead of the Thanksgiving travel rush, historically one of the busiest periods for US air travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why are flights in the US being cancelled or delayed?
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the FAA and TSA are severely understaffed, disrupting flight operations nationwide.
Q2: How many flights are affected?
Over 2,800 flights have been cancelled and 10,000 delayed as of Sunday.
Q3: Are safety concerns rising?
Yes. FAA insiders have warned that fatigue and staffing shortages could compromise safety if the situation continues.
Q4: What’s the main cause of the government shutdown?
A budget standoff in the US Congress over federal spending priorities.
Q5: When will the situation improve?
Operations will normalize only after Congress approves funding and the FAA resumes full-scale activity.
Published on : 10th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit : NDTV Profit Desk