US Government Shutdown Grounds 1,000+ Flights, Disrupts Global Air Travel
The US Government Shutdown has grounded over 1,000 flights for two days, straining air traffic control and causing major international disruptions.
Key Points
- The US Government Shutdown has forced airlines to cancel over 1,000 flights daily for two straight days.
- The FAA has begun implementing flight reductions of up to 10%, potentially rising to 20%.
- Over 63,000 aviation workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, are working unpaid.
- Global impact seen as workers at US military bases in Europe remain unpaid for weeks.
- Lawmakers remain deadlocked, with the shutdown now the longest in US history.
Longest-Ever US Government Shutdown Grounds Over 1,000 Flights
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 9, 2025 — The US Government Shutdown has severely disrupted air travel across the country as the political deadlock stretches beyond a month. Airlines have been forced to cancel more than 1,000 flights per day for two consecutive days, straining the aviation system and rippling through international operations.
Now entering its 39th day since October 1, the shutdown has placed the nation’s air traffic control and security systems under immense pressure, with both domestic and global ramifications.
Flight Cancellations Surge Amid Shrinking Staff Levels
On Saturday alone, over 1,000 flights were cancelled nationwide, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforced a 4% flight reduction at major airports including Charlotte Douglas International, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Newark.
The FAA announced plans to escalate reductions to 6% by Tuesday, 8% by Thursday, and 10% by November 14. Should the shutdown persist, these could reach 20%, severely limiting air traffic capacity.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport experienced the highest disruptions with 130 flight cancellations by mid-afternoon. Staffing shortages at radar centers and control towers have compounded the crisis, affecting both domestic and international routes.
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Unpaid Air Traffic Controllers and TSA Officers Under Pressure
The US Government Shutdown has left around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers working without pay. Many have endured mandatory six-day overtime weeks, while others have turned to gig jobs such as driving or food delivery to survive.
Unions have warned that fatigue and stress could compromise air traffic safety, while delays continue to cascade across the network.
Aviation Turmoil Deepens as Shutdown Breaks Record
The current shutdown has now exceeded the 35-day record set during the Trump administration in 2018–2019. Data from FlightAware shows over 2,500 flights cancelled this weekend alone, including 1,500 cancellations on Saturday and nearly 6,000 delays—a modest improvement from Friday’s 7,000.
Airlines have introduced measures to assist passengers—waiving change fees and offering refunds—but with Thanksgiving travel season approaching, uncertainty looms. Industry officials warn that continued funding deadlock could cripple travel plans for millions.
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International Consequences: Military and Diplomatic Fallout
The effects of the US Government Shutdown extend beyond US borders. At US military bases in Europe, local employees have gone unpaid for over six weeks.
In Germany, the government has stepped in to support 11,000 affected workers pending US reimbursement. Meanwhile, 1,300 workers in Italy at bases such as Aviano, Vicenza, and Livorno remain unpaid.
Union representatives, including Angelo Zaccaria of Aviano Air Base, have criticized the situation as “absurd,” citing a total lack of accountability.
These disruptions threaten US military readiness abroad and highlight how domestic political gridlock reverberates globally.
Political Stalemate Deepens, Risks Escalating Crisis
With Congress still divided over budget approvals, both the FAA and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have warned that restrictions may increase, potentially grounding up to 20% of planned flights.
Analysts say the prolonged US Government Shutdown underscores the fragility of national infrastructure, with ripple effects spreading through aviation, defense, and international diplomacy.
Passengers, airlines, and global partners now await political breakthroughs that can restore stability to the US airspace before the peak holiday travel season begins.
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Conclusion: A Global Warning from Washington’s Deadlock
The US Government Shutdown has exposed how political stalemates can endanger critical national operations. As air traffic controllers and TSA officers work unpaid and international allies bear financial strain, the crisis has evolved from a domestic dispute into a global concern.
Without immediate resolution, experts warn the effects may extend beyond America’s skies—impacting trade, defense, and global mobility for months to come.