Additional Coverage:
- These are the 40 airports where flights are being canceled due to the government shutdown (businessinsider.com)
Holiday Travel Alert: Flight Reductions to Hit 40 U.S. Airports Amid Government Shutdown
Travelers planning holiday getaways are facing a challenging season as federal officials announce significant flight reductions at 40 U.S. airports, effective this Friday. The move comes as a direct consequence of the ongoing government shutdown, which has led to severe air traffic control staffing shortages and widespread delays.
Federal authorities are set to cut 10% of flights, a measure intended to manage air traffic and alleviate the strain on understaffed control towers. Aviation analytics firm Cirium estimates that these reductions could impact up to 1,800 flights, affecting approximately 268,000 passenger seats on Friday alone.
While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to release an official list of all affected airports, six major hubs-Anchorage, Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, Seattle, and Philadelphia-have confirmed they are among those facing temporary service cuts. Cirium has compiled a broader list of 100 major airports most likely to be included in the reductions, anticipating that Chicago O’Hare and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport could experience the highest number of cancellations.
Key Impacts and Airline Responses:
- Widespread Disruptions: The cuts are expected to create substantial disruptions, particularly as the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas travel periods approach.
- Airline Adjustments: Major airlines are scrambling to adjust their schedules.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby stated that reductions would primarily affect regional routes and domestic mainline flights not traveling between hubs, estimating 250-300 daily cancellations initially. Delta anticipates canceling about 170 flights on Friday, while American expects around 220 daily cancellations through Monday.
- Passenger Options: American, Delta, Frontier, and United have announced that customers affected by cancellations will be eligible for free changes or refunds. Southwest will also offer refunds for canceled flights.
However, Alaska Airlines has not yet implemented a flexible travel policy.
- Industry Warnings: Industry experts and airline CEOs are advising travelers to prepare for potential delays, longer lines, and the possibility of being stranded.
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle recommended having a backup ticket on another airline if a flight is canceled.
Airports across the country, including those in Los Angeles, Houston, New York, and Dallas, have acknowledged awareness of the planned cuts but are awaiting official notification regarding their inclusion on the list. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has advised travelers to be prepared for disruptions should reductions be enacted.
As the situation remains fluid, passengers are urged to monitor their flight status closely and stay in contact with their airlines for the latest updates. The FAA and the Department of Transportation have not yet provided further details on the full scope of the affected airports or the duration of these flight reductions.