Government Shutdown Grounds Hundreds of U.S. Flights, FAA Orders 4% Cut at Major Airports

New Delhi: The ongoing government shutdown in the United States is now directly impacting the country's air travel services. By Friday morning, more than 800 flights had been canceled, nearly four times the number canceled on Thursday. Air traffic control and airline operations are being affected by the shutdown. Hundreds of flight cancellations are causing long delays and travel disruptions for passengers. Delhi Airport System Crash: What happened and what is ATC? FAA Order and Implemented Cuts The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a 4% reduction in flight operations at 40 major US airports, including major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The FAA warned that this reduction could increase to 10% by next week if the shutdown continues. This measure will primarily affect flights between 6 AM and 10 PM, while international flights are currently exempt. Impact on Airlines According to experts, major US airlines—American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest—will be the most affected. According to the FlightAware website, 800 flights had been canceled by Friday morning, compared to only 201 on Thursday. Airlines have stated that passengers whose flights are canceled will receive a full refund. FAA and US Government Response US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that this measure will temporarily reduce the number of flights, but it will be implemented in a controlled manner in collaboration with the airlines. Delhi Airport: Over 100 flights delayed due to a technical glitch with traffic control system The FAA warned that up to 4,000 flights per day could be affected if the shutdown continues due to staffing shortages at air traffic control towers. Potential Future Impacts Experts believe that if the shutdown persists, the pressure on air traffic management will increase. Staffing shortages could impact both safety and on-time flight operations. Travelers may face significant difficulties, especially during the Thanksgiving travel season.