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US Government Shutdown Crisis: 2,000+ Flights Canceled Amid Day 40 Chaos

The US federal government shutdown has entered its 40th day, causing massive flight disruptions across the country. More than 2,000 flights were canceled and over 8,000 delayed as air traffic controller shortages worsen. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel could be reduced to "a trickle" before Thanksgiving. The ongoing budget impasse continues to create economic uncertainty and travel chaos for millions of Americans.

Key Points: US Federal Shutdown Cancels 2000 Flights on Day 40

  • Over 2,000 flights canceled nationwide due to FAA capacity reductions
  • Air traffic controller shortages force overtime amid extended shutdown
  • Transportation Secretary warns Thanksgiving travel could be severely impacted
  • Economic concerns rise as holiday travel disruptions threaten GDP growth
2 min read

Over 2,000 flights cancelled across US as federal govt shutdown enters day 40

Over 2,000 flights canceled and 8,000 delayed as US government shutdown reaches 40th day, with FAA reducing capacity at major airports nationwide.

"It's only going to get worse. You're going to see air travel be reduced to a trickle. - Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy"

Washington, Nov 10

As the US federal government shutdown entered its 40th day, more than 2,000 flights were cancelled and over 8,000 delayed nationwide, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.

Since the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) mandated flight reduction policy took effect on Friday, the number of canceled flights surged from 202 on Thursday to 1,025 on Friday, and further to 1,566 on Saturday, Xinha news agency reported.

The number of air traffic controllers taking leave has risen since the shutdown began on October 1, forcing many others to work overtime.

The US Department of Transportation and the FAA recently announced a 10 per cent capacity reduction at 40 major airports across the country starting Friday, aiming to ease staffing pressures and reduce airspace safety risks.

"It's only going to get worse," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CNN on Sunday. "I look to the two weeks before Thanksgiving. You're going to see air travel be reduced to a trickle."

On the same day, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CBS that if people are not traveling during Thanksgiving, "we really could be looking at a negative quarter for the fourth quarter."

The regular budget, which should have been ready on October 1, marks the start of the US fiscal year. Instead, it is snaggled in party polarisation. A temporary measure known as a “continuing resolution” is needed to finance the government for now.

That resolution has been held up in the Senate due to a procedural element known as the filibuster, which blocks a legislative measure from coming up for a vote.

Sixty votes are required to break it, instead of a simple majority, as a way of putting the brakes on a party with a majority running roughshod.

The Republicans, with only 53 votes, are powerless to break the filibuster and pass their version of the temporary funding resolution.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My cousin was supposed to fly from Delhi to Chicago next week for a conference. Now we're worried about his travel plans. This political gridlock is affecting real people's lives across the world.
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Michael C
As someone who travels frequently between Mumbai and New York for work, this is a nightmare scenario. The economic impact will be felt globally, including here in India. Our IT companies have significant US operations.
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Shreya B
While I understand the political complexities, I wish both parties would prioritize citizens' welfare over political point-scoring. Air traffic controllers working overtime sounds like a safety risk waiting to happen. 😟
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Arjun K
This shows how important stable governance is. Imagine if something like this happened in India during peak travel season! Hope our NRI community there is managing okay.
J
Jessica F
The timing couldn't be worse with Thanksgiving coming up. So many Indian families have children studying in US universities who were planning to come home or travel during the break. Really unfortunate situation.

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