US Government Shutdown Cancelled Thousands of Flight

DID Press: 38-day federal government shutdown in the United States has created chaos in the country’s aviation industry, with over 5,000 domestic flights canceled or delayed at 40 major airports. Officials warned that the number of affected flights could rise by up to 20 percent.

Following a directive to reduce air traffic due to the shutdown, U.S. airlines have faced severe disruptions caused primarily by a shortage of air traffic controllers, many of whom are on unpaid leave and unable to work.

“The only reason the aviation industry continues to operate during the shutdown is the presence of controllers and transportation staff working without pay. Flight attendants are on the front lines of aviation safety, and the government shutdown jeopardizes passenger safety,” said Sarah Nelson, president of the Flight Attendants Union.

The U.S. shutdown, which began on 1 October, is the longest in the nation’s history, affecting around 1.4 million federal employees who are either on unpaid leave or working without pay.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues, flight cancellations could increase by 20 percent, and it may take days or even weeks for airline schedules to return to normal after the shutdown ends.

The shutdown continues as Congress and the White House remain deadlocked over a new federal budget, placing critical sectors such as aviation under increasing pressure.