Washington: The U.S. federal government shutdown, now in its 39th day, has led to significant disruptions in air travel across the country. The ongoing shutdown has resulted in flight delays, cancellations, and rerouting, causing inconvenience to numerous travelers.

According to Thai News Agency, the U.S. Transportation Department has mandated airlines to reduce flight capacity at 40 major airports nationwide, starting with a 4 percent cut on November 7 and increasing to a 10 percent reduction by November 14. This directive is a response to severe staffing shortages caused by the shutdown that began on October 1. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that 42 control towers are affected, leading to delays in 12 major cities, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Newark. Over the weekend, 1,500 flights were canceled and 6,000 delayed on Saturday, while 1,025 flights were canceled and 7,000 delayed on Friday.

At Newark Liberty International Airport, passengers are encountering fewer flights, with average delays of two to three hours this week. Security checkpoints are operating with limited lanes due to understaffing. Similarly, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has suspended all outbound flights until 10 p.m. local time on Saturday. The shutdown has resulted in 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners working without pay, with some on sick leave or working part-time to support their families, further exacerbating the staffing shortages. Nearly half of major air traffic control centers across the U.S. are experiencing staffing issues, with New York City facing a nearly 90% shortfall. This situation has forced airlines to cut flights, often with little notice, leaving passengers to alter their travel plans as Thanksgiving approaches.

Senator Ted Cruz, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, was informed during a Senate debate that pilots have reported over 500 safety incidents involving air traffic controller errors due to fatigue since the last shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune mentioned on Saturday that discussions between Republicans and Democrats to resolve the shutdown are making progress, with hopes of reaching an agreement during a rare Sunday meeting.

The White House has released a statement blaming Democrats for the airport chaos, alleging that travelers are urging Democrats to end the shutdown. It also notes that Democratic senators have voted 14 times to extend the shutdown.