More than 1,200 flights were cancelled across the United States on Friday amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, disrupting travel plans just weeks before Thanksgiving. Data from FlightAware showed that over 1,200 flights were grounded nationwide, with major carriers heavily affected. American Airlines cancelled about 220 flights per day, Delta Air Lines cut roughly 170, and Southwest Airlines scrapped around 100. On Thursday, there were over 6,800 flight delays and 200 cancellations.
The Trump administration has implemented flight cuts to ease the workload on air traffic controllers, many of whom are working without pay due to the shutdown. Major airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Newark, Houston, Denver, and Los Angeles have been among the hardest hit. The reductions began with a 4% cut in operations and could rise to 10% next week if Congress fails to reach a funding agreement.
The shutdown has forced thousands of federal workers, including key airport staff, to either stay home or work unpaid. Travellers expressed frustration over the uncertainty, with many fearing their Thanksgiving plans may be disrupted if the crisis continues.
