Thousands of Travelers Grounded in US as Republic, Piedmont, United, SkyWest, and Other Airlines Cancel 48 Flights and Delay 2500, Including at Philadelphia, Carolina, New Bedford, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Boston

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Thousands of travelers are stranded in Philadelphia, New Bedford, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale as Republic, Piedmont, United, and SkyWest cancel 48 flights and delay over 2500 due to the ongoing government shutdown. The shutdown has severely impacted air traffic control operations, TSA staffing, and airport management, causing widespread chaos across the nation. With air traffic controllers and TSA officers working without pay, many are calling out sick, leading to staffing shortages at major airports. The situation is exacerbated by critical maintenance delays and heightened security check delays. Smaller airports like New Bedford and Carolina are also facing severe challenges due to limited resources and outdated equipment. Passengers are being urged to check their flight statuses frequently and prepare for longer-than-usual wait times, especially with the approaching holiday travel rush. As the shutdown continues, travelers should brace for more disruptions unless a resolution is reached.

Among the airlines most impacted were Republic Airways and Piedmont Airlines, both of which reported multiple cancellations and delays. Republic alone accounted for 1 cancellation and 118 delays, while Piedmont had 1 cancellation and 42 delays. In total, United Airlines contributed to the delays with 140 delayed flights, while SkyWest saw 98 flights delayed. Smaller carriers like Air Canada and Cape Air also experienced their share of issues, with Air Canada having 1 cancellation and 42 delays, and Cape Air reporting 27 cancellations and 51 delays. The numbers continue to grow, creating chaos for travelers, especially those with time-sensitive trips.

As airlines struggle with staffing shortages, airports are also facing significant delays. The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) reported 1 cancellation and 35 delays, while New Bedford Regional (EWB) had 4 cancellations with no delays, and Newark Liberty International (EWR) reported 4 cancellations and 70 delays. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) and Los Angeles International (LAX) were also among the most affected, with 2 cancellations and 151 delays at Atlanta and 1 cancellation and 41 delays at LAX.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) was particularly hit hard, reporting 18 cancellations and 321 delays, making it one of the busiest airports during this crisis. Other major airports like Chicago O’Hare (ORD), San Francisco International (SFO), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) also saw their fair share of issues, resulting in longer waiting times and increased frustration for travelers.

The root cause of these disruptions lies in the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown. Air traffic controllers, essential workers under normal circumstances, are currently working without pay, leading to staffing shortages at critical air traffic control towers in major airports like Chicago O’Hare, Newark, Nashville, and Houston. For instance, Nashville International Airport’s control tower was temporarily shut down on October 7 due to a lack of controllers, highlighting the widespread staffing shortages at major hubs.

While air traffic controllers remain on the job, TSA officers are also working without pay, contributing to further delays at security checkpoints. This issue has been most evident at Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, where the TSA staffing shortages resulted in longer security lines and delays for travelers, many of whom were left scrambling to catch their flights amid the chaos.

Smaller airports, like those in New Bedford and Great Falls, have also been severely impacted by these disruptions. The lack of adequate staffing, combined with outdated equipment and strained resources, has exacerbated the situation for smaller hubs that were already under pressure. Experts are warning that if the shutdown continues, these airports will face even greater challenges, potentially threatening travel plans, especially as the holiday season approaches.

Moreover, there are growing concerns within the aviation industry about the maintenance and safety of aircraft, with some FAA employees furloughed, leaving critical aircraft safety inspections and pilot certifications delayed. Aviation groups have warned that this could pose a safety risk, especially if the shutdown persists during peak travel periods like Thanksgiving.

With the shutdown showing no signs of ending soon, travelers should be prepared for the possibility of continued delays and cancellations. Airlines and airports are working under strained conditions, and staffing shortages remain a significant hurdle. Passengers are advised to monitor their flight statuses closely and prepare for disruptions, especially as we approach the busy holiday season.

Passengers flying from affected airports like Boston Logan, Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta, and Los Angeles should expect long wait times at both security and check-in counters, with delays possibly reaching up to 41 minutes or more at peak times. The TSA and air traffic controllers are still doing their best, but with limited resources, the burden on the system continues to grow.

The ongoing federal government shutdown has created a turbulent environment for U.S. air travel. With 48 flights canceled and over 2,400 delayed, the situation is only expected to worsen if the shutdown persists. Airports and airlines are struggling to cope with staffing shortages, and smaller airports are especially vulnerable. As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approach, it’s crucial for travelers to stay informed, anticipate potential delays, and remain flexible with their plans. Until Congress acts, the uncertainty around air travel will likely continue to affect passengers, especially those flying to or from major hubs like Philadelphia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale.