More than 1,500 flights were canceled, and hundreds more were delayed across the United States early Monday as the nation entered its 41st day of the ongoing government shutdown. This has marked another major disruption in air travel, according to reports from the New York Post.
FlightAware data shows that the cancellations affected some of the country’s largest airports. In Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport experienced significant disruption, with approximately 11% of incoming flights and 5% of outgoing flights canceled by 8 a.m. Monday. Overall, more than 200 flights had been scrapped at this airport alone.
Chicago’s two major airports — O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway — were also heavily impacted. O’Hare saw over 300 cancellations, while Midway experienced more than 100 cancellations. The ripple effect extended nationwide, with more than 1,300 flights within, into, or out of the United States delayed early Monday.
In New York City, all three of its major airports — LaGuardia, Newark Liberty, and John F. Kennedy International — reported widespread disruptions. LaGuardia canceled 61 departing flights (10%) and 58 arriving flights (10%). Newark Liberty canceled 47 departures (8%) and 39 arrivals (6%). JFK reported 30 outgoing flights (4%) and 49 incoming flights (7%) canceled.
These mass cancellations follow what officials are describing as the worst day for air travel since the government shutdown began. On Sunday alone, nearly 3,000 flights were canceled, and more than 10,800 were delayed, leaving passengers stranded at airports across the country.
The staffing reductions caused by the shutdown have strained air traffic control operations and contributed to the increasing delays and cancellations. The disruptions come amidst ongoing gridlock in Washington, with no resolution in sight for the prolonged shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history.
Airlines have begun issuing travel waivers for affected passengers, allowing them to rebook without fees in certain regions. However, transportation analysts warn that the cumulative effects of delayed maintenance, paused training, and air traffic slowdowns could take weeks to resolve even after the shutdown ends.
With staffing shortages and reduced capacity at key facilities, carriers continue to warn travelers of ongoing impacts. The situation remains fluid as officials, airlines, and passengers navigate these unprecedented disruptions.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/faa-reductions-lead-to-1500-flight-cancellations-at-u-s-airports-across-the-country/