Topline
Thousands of flights at major airports were cancelled or delayed Saturday amid air traffic controller staffing shortages prompted by the government shutdown, as the effects of the stalemate are expected to intensify next week.
People wait in line at a security checkpoint at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport on November 06, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
More than 5,000 U.S. flights were delayed and more than 1,000 were cancelled as of Saturday afternoon, according to FlightAware. LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airports in New York had the most delays of any U.S. airports, both with 33% of flights taking off late, followed by Orlando (30%), Palm Beach (30%) and Tampa (26%).
Several major airports, including Chicago O’Hare, Nashville and LaGuardia, implemented temporary ground stops due to shortages of air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay during the 39-day government shutdown.
About 20% to 40% of air traffic controllers were not showing up to work, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said earlier this week.
Saturday—a relatively light travel day—marks the second day of flight cuts mandated by the FAA as the agency deals with staffing shortages amid the longest shutdown in history.
Key Background
The FAA announced last week it would cut 10% of flights at 40 “high-impact” airports, starting Friday with a 4% cut that will gradually increase to 10% by Nov. 14. Congress appeared nowhere near reaching a deal to reopen the government after Republicans on Friday rejected an offer from Democrats to extend Obamacare subsidies for a year in exchange for their votes. Senators are working through the weekend to resolve the impasse.