Grounded Nation: 2,000 Flights Cancelled as Shutdown Enters Day 40

Air travel disrupted as shutdown deepens

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is now severely impacting air travel. On Sunday, November 9, over 2,100 flights were cancelled nationwide, with delays affecting thousands more. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered airlines to reduce traffic at 40 of the country’s busiest airports, citing critical shortages of air traffic controllers.

Why it matters

The FAA’s directive began with a 4 percent reduction in flights and is expected to ramp up to 10 percent by November 14. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that travel could “slow to a trickle” if the shutdown continues, especially with Thanksgiving approaching.

Key developments:

• More than 2,100 flights cancelled on Sunday, with over 6,700 delayed  
• FAA staffing shortages impacting 42 airport towers, including hubs in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco  
• Airlines asked to adjust schedules to maintain safety amid reduced operations  
• Passengers advised to expect longer wait times and limited rebooking options

The shutdown’s ripple effect is now hitting travelers hard, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Sources: U.S. News, Times Now, CNBC, CBS News, India Today