What You Can Do If Your Flight Is Disrupted by the Shutdown
Flight delays and cancellations are increasing across the United States, with more expected as Thanksgiving approaches. The ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has caused widespread travel disruptions and forced many passengers to change or cancel their plans.
Government Response and Flight Reductions
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday a plan to cut 10% of flights at 40 major airports starting Friday, citing safety concerns.
“This move is intended to alleviate the pressure on air traffic controllers,” Duffy said, emphasizing that many have been working without pay for weeks.
The shortage of active controllers has led to significant cancellations and delays, even at the nation’s busiest airports.
Current Delays at Major Airports
- Newark Liberty International Airport: about 288 delays as of Thursday afternoon
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport: about 177 delays
According to FlightAware, similar delays have been reported nationwide, showing the broad impact of the shutdown on air travel.
What Passengers Can Do
With no clear end to the shutdown, passengers should prepare for ongoing disruptions. If you plan to fly soon, consider these actions:
- Check your flight status regularly before heading to the airport.
- Sign up for airline alerts or notifications about cancellations.
- Explore refund or rebooking options if your flight is affected.
- Consider travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations.
Author’s Summary
As the government shutdown strains the aviation system, travelers face widespread delays and flight cuts, with uncertain relief ahead.