Over 700 US flights cancelled as government shutdown hits air travel

Washington: More than 700 flights were cancelled across the United States on Friday as the ongoing government shutdown continued to disrupt the nation’s air travel system.

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, around 780 flights, roughly 3 per cent of the 25,000 scheduled nationwide, were grounded by midday. The cancellations are expected to rise sharply in the coming days as unpaid air traffic controllers seek alternative employment.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that flight reductions could reach up to 20 per cent by Thanksgiving if the shutdown persists. “This is a moment-by-moment assessment,” he told Fox News, adding that the Department of Transportation is doing everything possible to maintain safety.

Air traffic controllers, classified as essential workers, are required to work without pay. To manage staffing shortages, the department has introduced a phased reduction plan: 6 per cent cuts on Tuesday, 8 per cent on Thursday, and 10 per cent next Friday.

Major US carriers have already begun scaling back operations. American Airlines expects to cancel 220 flights daily through the weekend, while Delta and United have cut 173 and 184 flights respectively.

At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, passengers faced severe delays, with average wait times reaching four hours. Officials have advised travellers to monitor flight updates closely and prepare for extended disruptions as the holiday season approaches.

(Inputs from IANS)