U.S. airlines faced significant disruptions on Friday as they began canceling hundreds of flights due to an order from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This unprecedented move comes amid an ongoing government shutdown that has affected air traffic controllers, who have not received paychecks for over a month, marking the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The staffing shortages are causing substantial delays at several key airports, leading to frustration for both travelers and airline executives.
As of 2 p.m. ET on Friday, around 780 flights, nearly 3% of the day’s total schedule, had already been canceled, according to aviation data compiled by Cirium. Major airports such as Newark Liberty, San Francisco International, and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta experienced the brunt of the cancellations. The FAA’s directive outlines that the cuts will escalate from 4% on Friday to a total of 10% within a week, further straining the travel industry. Friday’s disruption was noted as the 72nd worst in the U.S. aviation market this year, a year filled with its share of operational challenges including severe weather and a tech outage at a major airline.
While the FAA’s order primarily impacts commercial flights, it also hints at potential repercussions for general aviation, including private jets, especially at high-traffic airports such as Teterboro in New Jersey and Dallas Love Field. The National Business Aviation Association acknowledged that their sector also faces challenges due to the staffing shortages.
The financial implications of these cancellations remain uncertain. Analyst Scott Group from Wolfe Research noted that while reduced availability could help boost airlines’ unit revenues as travelers compete for fewer seats, the prolonged disruptions may dampen future booking demand. This comes at a time when travel demand typically dips before the Thanksgiving holiday, leading many travelers to look for alternative options.
In response to the FAA’s reductions, major airlines have indicated that they are focusing on minimizing customer impact. United Airlines confirmed that it would primarily limit cuts to regional flights while keeping its hub-to-hub and long-haul international services intact. American Airlines is taking a strategic approach by cutting a few daily flights on high-traffic routes rather than eliminating them entirely.
As the industry navigates these operational difficulties, travelers are advised to stay informed and remain flexible with their plans, especially as rental car companies report a notable increase in one-way rental reservations over the past few days, suggesting that affected passengers are seeking other modes of transportation. Industry leaders are hopeful that concerted efforts will help address the ongoing staffing challenges and ensure smoother operations in the future.