Flight chaos in the United States due to the US government shutdown

Over a thousand flights cancelled at 40 American airports due to reductions imposed by the FAA to cope with the federal shutdown

Over a thousand flights have been cancelled in the United States in the last 24 hours due to the US government shutdown, which has paralysed most federal activities since 1 October. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed progressive cuts to flights at 40 high-traffic airports to reduce the risks associated with staff shortages.

According to the FlightAware platform, the reduction in air traffic began yesterday with a 4% cut, which will increase to 6% by 11 November, 8% by 13 November and 10% by 14 November. Among the most affected airports are Chicago, New York, Washington, Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth, key hubs for domestic connections.

Airlines in crisis due to FAA reductions

Major US airlines are facing an unprecedented situation. United Airlines cancelled 184 flights yesterday, 168 today and plans to cancel another 158 flights tomorrow and 190 on Monday. American Airlines, which operates about 6,000 flights a day, has cancelled 220 daily flights from yesterday to Monday. Southwest cut 120 flights yesterday, just under 100 today and 150 tomorrow, while Delta has already cancelled 170 flights, without providing forecasts for the coming days.

Jeff Guzzetti, an expert at the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA, explained that the decision aims to ‘reduce the potential risk that an overworked air traffic controller or an understaffed facility will make a mistake and cause two planes to collide.’ However, he added, ‘this costs airlines a lot and creates enormous inconvenience for travellers.’

The Supreme Court’s decision on food aid

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has upheld President Donald Trump’s appeal, authorising him to partially suspend federal food subsidies for November, worth approximately £3.5 billion. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has temporarily blocked District Judge John McConnell’s order, which required the funds to be paid by yesterday evening.

The decision further exacerbates the social and economic effects of the US government shutdown, which is likely to continue for weeks, with increasing repercussions for American workers, travellers and families.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)