Why Are 2500 Flights In USA Cancelled Amid Thanksgiving Season? 10 Affected US Airports

In what comes as total chaos in the American aviation industry, over 2500 USA flights have been cancelled amid the ongoing Thanksgiving season. Thousands of flights have been cancelled and thousands more were delayed, sparking travel chaos in the country, especially affecting high-traffic US airports. Here’s more to it.

Air Controller Staff Shortages Led To USA Flight Cancellations

As per a report by Travel Trade Journal, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has directed airlines to cut down on flight operations by 10% at 40 of the USA’s busiest airports. This move was put in place to ease the pressure on air traffic controllers and maintain safety standards amid the US government’s shutdown. Over 1700 flights were cancelled and thousands more were delayed due to a severe shortage of staff among air traffic controllers.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford described this measure as temporary but necessary to safeguard the integrity of the national airspace system. Meanwhile, staffing shortages worsened. Due to this shutdown, thousands of air traffic controllers continue to work but without any pay. Increased reports of fatigue and operational stress among air traffic controllers are the reason behind the attrition rates and staff shortage.

Also Read: Delhi Airport: Air Traffic Glitch Delays 100+ Flights; Check IndiGo, Air India Advisories

10 US Airports Affected By The Travel Chaos

Over the past weekend, 2740 flight delays were reported across the nation. Both air traffic staff and pilots shared their concerns about the safety risks at play. Putting passenger and crew safety as a priority, Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that they are reducing the number of flights to ensure Americans continue to fly safely.

The US flight cuts and delays have affected these 10 high-traffic airports in the country:

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (Georgia)
2. Dallas Love Field (Texas)
3. Ronald Reagan Washington National (Virginia)
4. Washington Dulles International (Virginia)
5. Houston Hobby (Texas)
6. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (Florida)
7. Baltimore/Washington International (Maryland)
8. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (Kentucky)
9. Honolulu International (Hawaii)
10. Denver International (Colorado)

Also Read: This Airline Is Offering 40% Discounts On Flights For The Grand Egyptian Museum Launch!

Meanwhile, if you are travelling in and out of the USA, take note of the ongoing flight delays and cancellations.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Ahmed from Ahmed N