More than 800 flights cut across the US in government paralysis

More than 800 Flights Cancelled Across the US Amid Government Budget Deadlock

Travelers face significant delays and frantic searches for alternatives, threatening holiday plans and nationwide air connectivity. On Friday, over 800 flights were cancelled throughout the United States following directives from the Trump administration to reduce air traffic amid ongoing government funding paralysis.

Air Traffic Controller Strain and Airport Slowdowns

The reductions aim to ease pressure on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay due to the stalled US budget negotiations in Congress. Forty airports, including major hubs such as Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles, were expected to slow operations.

Congressional Deadlock Causes Operational Impact

The government stalemate stems from sharp disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over spending priorities, healthcare being a major sticking point. As a result, federal funding is halted, forcing a large number of government workers, including essential airport personnel, to work without pay or remain furloughed at home during this nearly six-week crisis.

Flight Reductions and Cancellations

The reductions commenced with a 4% cut expected to increase to 10% the following week if no budget agreement is reached. Flight tracking website FlightAware reported that more than 800 flights scheduled for Friday were cancelled, surpassing cancellations from the previous three days combined.

Aviation analytics company Cirium stated, "Three per cent of US flights had been cancelled so far."
Summary

The ongoing government funding deadlock is causing widespread flight cancellations and reducing air traffic control capacity, severely disrupting US holiday travel and airport operations.

Would you like the summary to be more formal or conversational?

more

South China Morning Post South China Morning Post — 2025-11-07

More News