URGENT UPDATE: More than 200 flights were cancelled on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Newark Liberty Airport as flight cancellations surge nationwide. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated that airlines cut 4% of their flights due to ongoing safety concerns stemming from the government shutdown. This reduction is projected to escalate to 10% by the end of the week, raising alarm as the holiday travel season approaches.
Airlines are increasingly scaling back operations at major U.S. airports to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers, who are currently working without pay and facing immense strain. The FAA has stated that these drastic measures are necessary for ensuring the safety of all travelers. Many controllers are clocking in long hours and mandatory overtime while lawmakers remain at a standstill over a government resolution.
At Newark Liberty Airport, 44 flights, or approximately 7%, were cancelled. LaGuardia Airport experienced 58 flight cancellations, accounting for 10% of its operations, while JFK Airport saw 25 flights cancelled, or about 3%. Travelers are urged to check their flight status frequently as disruptions continue.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed that flights are being cut primarily due to safety concerns and staffing shortages. Adding to the chaos, a runway construction project at Newark Liberty Airport over the weekend exacerbated delays, leaving many fliers anxious as Thanksgiving approaches.
One traveler, Andrea Kowk, expressed her frustration, stating, “I received another email saying that the flight was disrupted and these are my options: refund, reschedule the flight, or an airline credit. Then, without having selected any of the options yet, I got another email saying that my flight had been rebooked to Wednesday at 6 p.m. That wasn’t going to work for me, so I started to explore my other options.”
As holiday travel nears, concerns mount over the impact of the government shutdown on air travel. Duffy warned that even if the shutdown concludes, it will take time for operations to return to normal. With the holidays around the corner, travelers are left scrambling for alternatives.
Stay tuned for the latest developments as this situation unfolds. Check flight statuses regularly, and prepare for potential disruptions in your holiday travel plans.
