Widespread Flight Cancellations in US Due to FAA Staffing Crisis
More than 1,700 flights were canceled across the United States amid severe staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), caused by an ongoing government shutdown. Thousands of other flights faced delays, leading to significant travel disruptions.
Major Airport Delays
New York City’s three main airports — Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy International — experienced extended delays on Saturday. The FAA even issued a temporary ground stop for incoming flights to Newark when average arrival delays exceeded four hours.
Flight Cancellations and Delays Data
- Saturday alone saw over 1,500 cancellations and more than 6,600 delays, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware.
- On Sunday, an additional 1,000 cancellations and hundreds of delays were reported.
FAA Explanation
The FAA blamed the travel chaos on staffing shortages, noting that many air traffic controllers and federal security screeners missed paychecks due to the budget impasse related to the government shutdown.
According to CNN: “Air travel chaos continued across the United States this weekend as airlines cancelled more than 1,700 flights and thousands more were delayed due to severe staffing shortages among air traffic controllers amid the ongoing government shutdown.”
These disruptions were most severe at the nation's busiest airports, severely affecting travelers’ plans.
Photo Credit
KEVIN LAMARQUE
FAA official statement on delays: “The FAA temporarily issued a ground stop for incoming flights to Newark after average arrival delays exceeded four hours earlier on Saturday.”
Summary: The ongoing government shutdown has caused FAA staffing shortages, resulting in over 1,700 flight cancellations and widespread delays at major U.S. airports this weekend.