Content: Canadian travelers planning to fly to the United States in the coming days should check their flight status. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will reduce air traffic by 10 percent at 40 major U.S. airports starting Friday. This decision is a response to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which has now lasted 37 days, the longest in history. Although international flights are exempt from these cuts, Canadian travelers may still experience cancellations and delays due to the ripple effects of the shutdown.

Air Canada stated it is maintaining its regular schedule but warned that passengers connecting to U.S. domestic flights operated by United Airlines might face disruptions. "We are monitoring the situation and awaiting more details on the planned reductions," the airline said in an email.

The FAA's flight reductions will affect major airports, including those in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Other impacted airports include Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Miami, and San Francisco. The FAA indicated that the cuts are necessary to ensure travel safety as unpaid air traffic controllers show signs of strain.

Airlines are currently assessing how these changes will affect their operations. Reports suggest that the cuts will apply to domestic flights scheduled between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The FAA is also implementing strict restrictions on space launches and general aviation. Estimates indicate that up to 1,800 flights and approximately 268,000 seats could be affected.

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have announced they will provide refunds to travelers who choose not to fly, even for non-refundable tickets.

Canadian airlines operate thousands of cross-border flights each week, connecting to numerous routes through partner carriers. Air Canada noted it has already experienced some delays, stating, "All carriers operating in the U.S. have been affected. For our part, we have experienced a limited number of manageable delays to this point but ... this is an ongoing situation."

To assist affected passengers, Air Canada is offering a goodwill policy that allows customers connecting to U.S. domestic flights with United Airlines to change or defer their travel without incurring a fee. Porter Airlines also reported disruptions due to FAA staffing shortages, leading to delays in some markets. The airline is managing these disruptions and offering complimentary changes to some U.S. destinations through Monday, subject to availability.

WestJet is monitoring the situation but has stated that its operations have not yet been impacted by the U.S. government shutdown. Transport Canada is aware of the situation and is closely monitoring developments, advising travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Aviation expert John Gradek from McGill University highlighted the interconnected nature of North American air travel. He noted that delays at U.S. airports could lead to cascading delays throughout the Canadian aviation system. Additionally, flights from Canada to destinations like Mexico often traverse U.S. airspace. If specialized air traffic controllers in the U.S. do not report to work, it could further complicate travel plans for Canadians.

The list of affected U.S. airports includes major hubs such as: - John F. Kennedy International (New York) - LaGuardia Airport (New York) - Newark Liberty International (New Jersey) - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (Georgia) - Chicago O'Hare International (Illinois) - Los Angeles International (California) - San Francisco International (California) - Denver International (Colorado) - Miami International (Florida) - Seattle-Tacoma International (Washington)

Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight status as the situation develops.