Thousands of US flights cancelled or delayed over government shutdown cuts

November 8, 2025

During an unprecedented 38-day government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented emergency mandates requiring 40 major US airports to reduce flight operations by 4%, with plans to increase cuts to 10% by week's end due to air traffic controller staffing shortages. Over 5,000 flights were disrupted on the first day as essential workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents, continued working without pay for over a month, leading to stress-related illnesses and many taking second jobs. Airlines responded by offering rebooking options and refunds while travelers experienced significant disruptions to their plans.

Who is affected

Air traffic controllers working without pay for over a month
TSA security agents working without pay
Federal workers like Ariana Jakovljevic who recently graduated college
More than 5,000 passengers whose flights were cancelled or delayed
Specific travelers including Joe Sullivan (missed cousin's wedding activities), Ndenisarya Meekins (had to rebook to New York), Ben Sauceda, and an unnamed woman who purchased a $300 train ticket
Airlines including Delta, United, and American Airlines
Airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, and Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson)
Low-income Americans affected by paused food aid programs

What action is being taken

The FAA is mandating a 4% flight reduction at 40 major airports, rising to 10% by week's end
Air traffic controllers are continuing to report to work despite no pay
Many essential workers are calling in sick or taking side jobs
Airlines (Delta, United, American) are offering rebooking, change-fee waivers, and full refunds
Senate members are having conversations and negotiations
Senators were instructed to stay in town over the weekend for potential votes
Democrats offered a potential funding bill on Friday

Why it matters

This situation represents a critical threat to aviation safety and national infrastructure, as air traffic controllers responsible for passenger safety are working under extreme financial and psychological stress without compensation. The shutdown has created a cascading crisis affecting not only air travel but also broader federal services including food assistance programs, demonstrating how political gridlock can have immediate, tangible consequences for ordinary Americans. The unprecedented length of the shutdown (38 days, the longest in US history) and the deteriorating conditions suggest that essential government functions cannot be maintained indefinitely without funding, potentially forcing a resolution to the political standoff.

What's next

Flight cuts could increase to 20% if the shutdown continues and air traffic controllers keep missing work
Senate work will continue over the weekend to reach a deal
Senators are staying in town in case legislation needs to be voted on
President Trump is pushing for elimination of the Senate filibuster rule (though this lacks support from most senators)
Democrats and Republicans are in ongoing negotiations, though Democrats' Friday funding bill has slim chances without Republican support

Read full article from source: BBC