Flight Cancellations Surge Amidst US Shutdown, Holiday Travel Faces Disruption
Due to the government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to reduce traffic at the nation’s busiest airports, leading to widespread flight cancellations starting Friday. Approximately 500 flights were cut across the country, with numbers expected to rise as airlines phase in the 10% reduction. The FAA’s decision to cut flights at 40 high-volume airports, like those in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, is intended to alleviate the pressure on air traffic controllers working without pay. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and be aware of their rights, including potential refunds and rebooking options.