Flight Chaos Won't Stop When Gov't Shutdown Ends, Airlines Warn: Here's Why

By Chris Spiker From Daily Voice

Air travel disruptions are expected to continue for days, even if Congress ends the record-long federal government shutdown.

There were at least 890 flight cancellations and 789 delays nationwide as of 11:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, according to FlightAware. The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines to cut up to 10% of their daily schedules at 40 major airports between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The latest cancellations come hours before the House of Representatives is set to vote on a spending bill that would reopen the government through Friday, Jan. 30, ending the longest federal shutdown in US history.

"We'll start the process probably around four, five o'clock," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told CNBC. "The actual vote on the bill to fund the government will probably come later, around seven o'clock. There'll be, I'm sure, a good, thorough debate, but it's so important that this gets done."

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that reopening the government won’t immediately fix the damage.

"We're going to wait to see the data on our end before we take out the restrictions in travel, but it depends on controllers coming back to work," Duffy said at a news conference at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Duffy said many air traffic controllers have retired or taken second jobs during the shutdown, worsening an already severe staffing shortage. Some have taken on jobs like driving for Uber to pay their bills since they haven't received a paycheck since early October.

In a scathing post on his social media platform Truth Social, President Donald Trump demanded that air traffic controllers return to work.

"For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU," Trump wrote on Monday, Nov. 10. "You didn't step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country. You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record. If you want to leave service in the near future, please do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind!"

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins before a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 2025.

Wikimedia Commons - Arlington National Cemetery

More than 5 million travelers have been affected by flight reductions and delays since the shutdown began on Wednesday, Oct. 1, Airlines for America said. The FAA told airlines to slash flight schedules at several Northeast airports, including Baltimore, Boston, Newark, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.

Airlines said that cancellations and delays will remain likely as the system struggles to restart.

"Airlines' reduced flight schedules cannot immediately bounce back to full capacity right after the government reopens," A4A said. "It will take time, and there will be residual effects for days. With the Thanksgiving travel period beginning next week and the busy shipping season around the corner, the time to act is now to help mitigate any further impacts to Americans. We encourage the House to pass the bill swiftly."

The Modern Skies Coalition, which represents airlines, airports, aerospace companies, and labor unions, said the 43-day shutdown has also stalled long-term improvements to the nation's air traffic control system.

"The government shutdown has disrupted that work and slowed the strong momentum we have built for modernization, but the shutdown is having a much more direct, immediate impact," the trade group said. "The job of keeping aviation safe and secure is tough every day, but forcing federal employees to do it without pay is unacceptable."

The coalition added that the shutdown has delayed hiring and training efforts for new air traffic controllers. Even when the government reopens, airlines must reposition aircraft and crews, restore normal staffing, and adjust schedules thrown off by weeks of restrictions.

Matas Cenys, head of product at the travel eSIM app Saily, said travelers should plan ahead and remain patient.

"The key to navigating this period is preparation and flexibility," said Cenys. "Travelers should also remember that airport personnel are working under stress, so patience and consideration will make the journey easier for everyone."

There are more than 14,000 air traffic controllers employed by the FAA.