US Flight Chaos Deepens Amid Government Shutdown; Over 10,000 Flights Delayed

Travellers across the United States faced mass cancellations and delays on Sunday — the worst day of air travel disruptions since the government shutdown began, according to USA Today.

By 10 p.m. ET, flight-tracking platform FlightAware reported over 10,000 flight delays and 3,200 cancellations nationwide. The crisis peaked after airlines were ordered to cut operations at 40 major airports due to acute staffing shortages.

Delta Air Lines was the hardest hit, with 52% of its mainline flights either delayed or cancelled, Reuters reported.

The Trump administration recently mandated a 4% reduction in domestic flights, which could rise to 10% next week if the shutdown continues, according to CNBC.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that flight operations could shrink to a “trickle” ahead of the busy holiday travel season if Congress fails to resolve the funding impasse.

Air traffic controller shortages have crippled operations at key hubs nationwide, making Sunday the 11th-worst day for flight cancellations in the US since January 2024, as per aviation data firm Cirium.

Industry group Airlines for America said 71% of total delay time on Saturday stemmed from staffing issues and cautioned that further disruptions are likely unless the deadlock ends soon.

Meanwhile, federal employees — including air traffic controllers and airport security screeners — continue to work without pay, with many taking up secondary jobs to survive as they brace for a second missed paycheck on Monday.