Flight cancellation updates: FAA's government shutdown traffic reduction continues

The government shutdown is affecting thousands of travelers across the US, as airports grapple with air traffic controller shortages.

The Federal Aviation Administration has moved to implement a 10% reduction in flights at 40 airports across the country.

That began with a 4% reduction to operations on Friday. It will increase to 10% by November 14.

Around 780 flights had been canceled as of 1 p.m. ET on Friday, according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics firm.

Check back here for the latest updates on Saturday.

Nathan Rennolds Editor

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Duffy warns flight cancellations could rise to 20%

Speaking to Fox News on Friday, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said flight cancellations could rise as high as 20% if the government shutdown goes on.

"If this shutdown doesn't end relatively soon, the consequence of that is going to be more controllers don't come to work," he said.

Speaking to Fox News on Friday, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said flight cancellations could rise as high as 20% if the government shutdown goes on.

"If this shutdown doesn't end relatively soon, the consequence of that is going to be more controllers don't come to work," he said.

"I don't want to see that."

Nathan Rennolds

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Delta says it has 'completed' weekend cancellations

Delta has said it is "temporarily reducing flights" across 40 US airports in line with federal directives.

"All planned FAA-directed flight cancellations for Nov. 7-9 have been completed," the airline added in an update on Friday.

Nathan Rennolds Editor

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Tell us about your flightmares

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines were among the hardest hit carriers on Friday.

Passengers faced delays and cancellations at major flight hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines were among the hardest hit carriers on Friday.

Passengers faced delays and cancellations at major flight hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver.

If you've been caught in the chaos, let us know.

Nathan Rennolds Editor

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Recap

Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the start of October, have grown worse as the government shutdown has stretched on, with increasing numbers calling in sick.

In response, the FAA has moved to reduce flight operations as it works to maintain safety standards despite the shortages.

"We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely," FAA administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement this week.

"The FAA will continue to closely monitor operations, and we will not hesitate to take further action to make sure air travel remains safe."