Washington/New York/Los Angeles, 11 October 2025 (developing) — Travelers across the United States are facing widespread flight delays and cancellations today, as the federal government shutdown enters its second week. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and TSA officers, many of whom are working without pay, are straining the system and causing cascading operational problems.
Current Situation
- By early morning, 200+ cancellations and 3,500 delays had already been recorded nationwide.
- Major hubs including Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, New York LaGuardia, and Los Angeles International are reporting the heaviest congestion.
- Average delays are currently 45–90 minutes, with some departures grounded for more than two hours.
Causes of Disruption
- Government Shutdown Impact: Air traffic controllers and TSA staff are classified as essential workers but are unpaid during the shutdown. Increasing numbers are calling in sick, leaving towers and checkpoints understaffed US News ABC News.
- Air Traffic Control Bottlenecks: Facilities in Burbank, Nashville, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia have already reported temporary closures or reduced capacity this week, forcing reroutes and ground stops ABC News.
- Staffing Shortages: Airlines themselves are struggling with crew scheduling, compounding the delays AirHelp.
- Weather: Storm systems in the Midwest and Northeast are adding to the disruption.
Live Brief Updates
07:30 ET — Early Morning
- 200 cancellations logged, mostly at East Coast hubs.
- TSA lines at LaGuardia and Miami stretch beyond 90 minutes.
10:00 ET — Mid-Morning
- Delays surpass 3,500 flights nationwide.
- Nashville International reports a temporary ground stop due to limited tower staffing.
12:00 ET — Forecast for Afternoon
- FAA warns of flow control programs at Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas to manage reduced controller availability.
- Airlines expect secondary delays as aircraft and crews fall out of position.
Forecast for End of Day
- Cancellations could rise to 600–800 flights nationwide.
- Delays may reach 8,000–10,000 flights, with average wait times extending to 90–120 minutes.
- Evening departures from the Northeast and Midwest are expected to be hardest hit.
Passenger Guidance
- Check flight status apps (airline apps, FlightAware, FAA advisories) frequently throughout the day.
- Arrive early at airports, as TSA staffing shortages are causing long security lines.
- Rebook proactively if your flight is canceled — most airlines are offering fee‑free changes.
- Prepare for spillover delays into Sunday morning schedules.
Outlook
The U.S. travel industry is bracing for a difficult holiday weekend, with the Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday expected to bring peak demand. Unless the shutdown is resolved, analysts warn that delays and cancellations will continue to escalate, with potential long-term damage to consumer confidence in air travel.
Sources: Reuters US News; ABC News ABC News; CNBC CNBC; AirHelp AirHelp; USA Today USA Today.
