Thousands of Flights Canceled as Air Traffic Controllers Face Crisis

UPDATE: Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces a drastic service reduction due to a severe shortage of air traffic controllers. This crisis comes amid the longest federal government shutdown, now entering its 41st day.

As fatigue sets in among staff who are working without pay, the situation has escalated dramatically. Over 2,747 flights were canceled and 8,337 delays were reported across U.S. airports by 8 p.m. on November 10, according to FlightAware. This is a continuation of disruptions seen throughout the weekend, with 3,498 cancellations and 11,231 delays on Sunday alone.

The FAA announced a 4% reduction in flights at 40 major airports, triggering a ripple effect at smaller locations. Major hubs like Chicago’s O’Hare International and Midway International have faced significant interruptions due to a major snowstorm, with 321 departures and 314 arrivals canceled at O’Hare, alongside over 1,000 delays.

Travelers are experiencing extreme frustrations. Grace Butler, a traveler stranded on Interstate 57 near Onarga, Illinois, described the perilous conditions: “No visibility, road is covered with snow and ice. Have lived in Chicago my whole life and never seen a blizzard this bad,” she told CNN.

Chicago is not alone in the chaos. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta reported 150 arrival cancellations, while LaGuardia Airport in New York faced 86 departure cancellations. Other impacted airports include Boston Logan International, Newark International, and Dallas-Fort Worth International.

Transportation Secretary Duffy emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that employees are feeling the strain of working second jobs to make ends meet during the shutdown. “It’s vital for them to show up for work despite not getting paid,” Duffy said.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the crisis, demanding that air traffic controllers “get back to work, NOW” in a post on Truth Social. He promised a $10,000 bonus for those who continue to serve during the shutdown, while threatening negative repercussions for those who do not.

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, expressed deep concern over the safety implications. “The fatigue has led to the erosion of safety and the increased risk every day that this shutdown drags on,” he warned. “Air traffic controllers must show up day in and day out, fully prepared—but now they must focus on child care instead of traffic flows.”

American Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer David Seymour called the situation “unacceptable,” advocating for immediate pay for air traffic controllers rather than delayed compensation post-shutdown. “Everyone deserves better,” he added, highlighting the growing discontent among airline staff and travelers alike.

With the shutdown continuing, the future of air travel remains uncertain. Travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses as the situation develops. As the FAA struggles to maintain safety and efficiency, the impact on the flying public is expected to linger well beyond the resolution of the shutdown.

What to Watch For: Keep an eye on FAA announcements and flight updates, as the ongoing situation could lead to further cancellations and delays in the coming days.