Over 1,700 Flights Cancelled Across the US Amid FAA Staffing Crisis and Government Shutdown
Severe staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) caused extensive travel disruptions, leading to over 1,700 flight cancellations across the United States during the weekend. The ongoing government shutdown has left air traffic controllers and federal security screeners without paychecks, intensifying operational challenges.
Impact on Major Airports
The nation's busiest airports were hit hardest by the crisis. New York City’s three main airports—Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy International—faced hours-long delays on Saturday.
According to the FAA, "Newark experienced a ground stop on incoming flights after average arrival delays passed four hours earlier on Saturday."
Flight Cancellations and Delays
- Saturday saw over 1,500 flights cancelled and more than 6,600 delayed, based on data from FlightAware.
- Sunday continued the trend with an additional 1,000 cancellations and hundreds of delays reported.
The FAA linked these disruptions directly to the staffing shortfalls caused by the budget impasse.
Authorities' Explanation
"The widespread disruptions are due to air traffic controllers and federal security screeners missing paychecks amid the budget impasse," the FAA stated.
Photo Credit
Kevin Lamarque
Author’s summary: The government shutdown has led to a critical shortage of FAA staff, causing massive flight cancellations and delays, especially at major US airports like those in New York City.