Over 1,700 Flights Cancelled Across US Amid FAA Staffing Crisis and Government Shutdown
More than 1,700 flights were cancelled across the United States due to severe staffing shortages in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amid the ongoing government shutdown, causing major disruptions in air travel.
Impact on Major Airports
The nation's busiest airports experienced significant delays. New York City’s three major airports—Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy International—faced hours-long delays on Saturday.
Flight Data and Delays
- According to flight tracking data from FlightAware, over 1,500 flights were cancelled and more than 6,600 delayed on Saturday alone.
- An additional 1,000 cancellations and hundreds of delays were reported on Sunday.
FAA Statement and Causes
The FAA explained that the travel chaos was caused by staffing shortages as air traffic controllers and federal security screeners did not receive paychecks during the budget impasse.
"The FAA temporarily issued a ground stop for incoming flights to Newark after average arrival delays exceeded four hours earlier on Saturday."
Travelers Face Widespread Disruptions
The staffing crisis amid the shutdown has resulted in widespread travel chaos and prolonged wait times at many airports.
Author's summary: The ongoing government shutdown has caused severe FAA staffing shortages, resulting in over 1,700 cancelled flights and significant delays at major U.S. airports, especially in New York City.