UPDATE: Flight disruptions are escalating nationwide as over 200 flights were cancelled on Sunday at Newark Liberty Airport (EWR). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated airlines to cut 4% of flights effective Friday, with projections indicating this will rise to 10% by the end of the week. As the holiday travel rush approaches, the situation is becoming increasingly dire for travelers across the country.
Airlines are reducing schedules at numerous major U.S. airports, including LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), to alleviate the burden on air traffic controllers who are currently working unpaid amid an ongoing government shutdown. The FAA emphasizes that these cancellations are essential for ensuring passenger safety during this challenging period.
At Newark Liberty, 44 flights were cancelled, accounting for 7% of operations. LaGuardia experienced 58 cancellations or 10%, while JFK reported 25 flights cancelled, which is 3% of their scheduled departures. The increased cancellations are causing significant concern as the busy Thanksgiving travel period approaches.
Many travelers are feeling the impact directly. One passenger, Andrea Kowk, expressed her frustration: “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 options yet, I got another email saying that my flight had been rebooked to Wednesday the 12th at 6 p.m. That wasn’t going to work for me, so I explored other options.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford have reiterated that these measures are driven by safety concerns and staffing shortages. Even if the government shutdown resolves quickly, they warn it may take time for operations to normalize.
In addition to the cancellations, a runway construction project at Newark Liberty Airport over the weekend has further compounded delays. Travelers are urged to check their flight status regularly and prepare for potential disruptions as the holiday travel season approaches.
As this situation continues to develop, passengers are advised to stay informed and consider alternative travel arrangements. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated, as more cancellations are expected in the coming days, impacting holiday plans for countless individuals across the nation.
