Travel chaos continues as weekend flights are canceled amid ongoing shutdown

Ongoing government shutdown, now in its 39th day, is causing significant travel chaos with widespread flight cancellations. Air traffic controllers, among other government employees, are working without pay, leading to reduced flight schedules. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that 40 major airports would initially see a 4% cut in flights, a measure intended to ease pressure on air traffic controllers. Flight cancellations were expected to be fewer on Saturday, November 8, compared to Friday, November 7, due to lower travel volume. However, the Federal Aviation Administration warns that cancellations could escalate to 10% by November 14 and potentially reach 20% if the shutdown continues. Travelers not directly affected by cancellations are likely experiencing delays. Data from FlightAware shows that between one-fourth and one-third of flights were delayed at major airports on Saturday. For example, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport reported a dozen delays out of 61 flights, while Charlotte Douglas International Airport experienced a significantly higher rate with 94 of 131 flights delayed. U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, citing flight delays and cancellations, opted for an Amtrak train from Washington D.C. to Georgia. Several airlines are implemen... download the app to read more