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On Friday, an airline industry analyst commented on the relatively minor impacts of nationwide flight capacity cuts, even as delays and cancellations increase amid the ongoing government shutdown.
“Airlines are striving to minimize disruptions and avoid canceling an excessive number of flights simultaneously to ensure travelers reach their destinations,” Henry Harteveldt, an industry analyst, shared with The Associated Press. “They aim to maintain a degree of flexibility.”
He further remarked, “I’m not observing chaos. However, there’s certainly a sense of anxiety, uncertainty, and stress. If your flight happens to be canceled, it can be significantly disruptive.”
Still, Harteveldt acknowledged, “I don’t want to downplay the impact.”
In response to the situation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reduced flight capacity by 4 percent at 40 airports across the United States as a precautionary measure. The industry has been grappling with staffing shortages, as many air traffic controllers continue to work without pay due to the shutdown, often requiring them to work mandatory overtime.
Harteveldt told the AP that as the FAA adds reductions, the impact on airports and air travel will continue to grow.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also warned Friday that flight reductions could increase to 20 percent if lawmakers are unable to reach a deal to reopen the government. Cuts are expected to increase incrementally over the next week, reaching 10 percent by Nov. 14.
Speaking at a Breitbart News event on Friday, Duffy said the reductions were not a political move.
“We have worked overtime to make sure that we minimize the impact on the American people,” he said.
The Transportation chief, asked if it will take time to alleviate air traffic issues once the government reopens, said the administration will assess the data before giving “the airlines time to bring those flights back in.”
On Saturday, a total of 1,762 flights were delayed, while 870 flights have been canceled, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware. These numbers do not distinguish between those caused by the FAA’s reduction and regular maintenance or weather delays.
With delays and cancellations likely to continue through November, airline passengers may have to realign their travel plans as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
Travelers impacted by the flight reductions can also contact customer service representatives via phone, email or directly to the airline’s account on the social platform X. Those with canceled or delayed flights can still request a refund under Transportation Department protections, which remain in effect even despite the shutdown.