Hundreds of flights at the busiest airports in the U.S. are being canceled this weekend as airlines proceed with reducing air service attributed to the ongoing government shutdown.
Currently, the government-ordered slowdown that began on Friday has not led to widespread disruptions, but analysts caution that the effects could escalate significantly, especially as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
Concerns are mounting regarding the potential impact on cities and businesses reliant on tourism as well as interruptions in shipping that could delay holiday product delivery to stores.
Flight Cancellation Statistics
According to FlightAware, more than 1,000 flights were canceled on the first day of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) slowdown, with over 700 cancellations reported on Saturday, which is typically a slow travel day. These figures represent a small fraction of overall flights nationwide but are expected to rise in the coming days if the situation persists.
The FAA has indicated that reductions affecting all commercial airlines are starting at 4% of flights across 40 targeted airports, with an escalation to 10% anticipated over the next week.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that further flight cancellations may be necessary if the shutdown continues and if more air traffic controllers are unable to report for duty.
Causes of Cancellations
Air traffic controllers, facing nearly a month without paychecks due to the shutdown, have resorted to calling in sick, thus exacerbating existing staffing shortages. Many controllers are working mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown without compensation, and some have taken on secondary jobs to meet their financial obligations, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
Passenger Experiences
Travelers are largely relieved that airlines remained on schedule during initial disruptions, with most being able to quickly rebook canceled flights. However, uncertainty lingers over future cancellations, causing anxiety among passengers.
Many travelers are opting for one-way rentals and some are canceling flights altogether as concerns grow about being stranded at airports.
Wider Impacts of Flight Disruptions
The implications of flight interruptions stretch beyond air travel. Nearly half of all air freight in the U.S. is transported in the cargo holds of passenger planes, and significant disruptions could lead to elevated prices for consumers due to higher shipping costs that could be passed down.
The potential losses could reverberate through the economy, affecting tourism and manufacturing, chefs researchers like Patrick Penfield of Syracuse University.
Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group, emphasized that the shutdown's effects would encompass everything from cargo operations to business travel and tourism, ultimately impacting local economies through losses in hotel and city taxes.
Associated Press journalists contributed to this report.
