Airline industry analysts indicated on Friday that the overall impact of flight reductions across the country is relatively minor, even as delays and cancellations have increased amid the ongoing government shutdown.
“Airlines are putting in a lot of effort to minimize disruptions and avoid large-scale cancellations to keep passengers on track,” analyst Henry Harteveldt noted in comments to the Associated Press. “They aim for some flexibility.”
He also mentioned, “I haven’t really heard of any major disruptions. There’s certainly anxiety and uncertainty. If your flight gets canceled, it can be highly disruptive for you.”
At the same time, he emphasized, “We don’t want to downplay the impact.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a 4% reduction in flight capacity at 40 U.S. airports as a safety measure. Consequently, many air traffic controllers have found themselves working unpaid, including overtime, contributing to staffing challenges within the industry.
Harteveldt pointed out that as the FAA continues its cuts, the effects on airports and air travel are likely to intensify.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also cautioned on Friday that flight cuts might escalate to 20% if a resolution isn’t reached to reopen the government. These reductions are set to increase gradually over the coming week, potentially hitting 10% by November 14.
Duffy asserted at a Breitbart News event that the cuts are not politically motivated.
“We’ve been working hard to lessen the impact on the American public,” he stated.
When asked whether easing air traffic issues would take time after the government reopens, Duffy mentioned that the government would review the data before allowing airlines to resume normal operations.
On Saturday, there were reports of 1,762 flight delays and 870 cancellations, according to aviation tracking websites. However, these figures do not differentiate between delays caused by FAA reductions and those resulting from scheduled maintenance or weather issues.
As Thanksgiving approaches, delays and cancellations are expected to persist into November, and travelers may need to modify their plans accordingly.
Passengers affected by the flight reductions can reach out to customer service representatives via phone, email, or even through the airline’s account on the social platform X. Assistance is available even if flights are canceled or delayed, and passengers can still request refunds, as the Department of Transportation’s policies remain applicable despite the shutdown.
