Shutdown triggers U.S. flight delays and cancellations; travelers turn to rail

A government shutdown disrupted U.S. air travel with widespread delays and cancellations. Operations were reduced at 40 major airports, including hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. Officials warned cancellations could rise from around 4% to up to 20% if the shutdown continued. Airlines offered change-fee waivers and refunds, though secondary costs were not guaranteed. Some travelers opted for rail alternatives during the disruption.

Air travel across the United States has been disrupted by a government shutdown, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations. As operations tightened, some travelers chose rail as a more reliable option for certain routes.

The disruption stemmed from unpaid air traffic controllers and airport staff being sent home without compensation, which contributed to a broad reduction in flight operations. Mandated cutbacks affected 40 high-volume airports nationwide. Among the locations cited were major hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the share of canceled flights—initially around 4%—could climb to as much as 20% in the coming weeks if the shutdown persisted. This outlook pointed to a potential escalation in schedule changes and reduced capacity at key airports.

Airlines responded by issuing waivers for change fees and providing refunds in some cases. However, reimbursement for secondary expenses tied to cancellations was not assured. With uncertainty around flight schedules and staffing, passengers faced changing itineraries and the prospect of additional disruption if the shutdown continued.

During this period, some travelers opted for rail alternatives. One high-profile example was Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who traveled by Amtrak from Washington, D.C., to Georgia, highlighting a shift in traveler behavior amid the aviation constraints.

The situation remained fluid at the time of publication, with flight reductions and cancellations ongoing. Passengers were affected across multiple U.S. cities as airports implemented mandated cuts, and further operational impacts were possible depending on the duration of the shutdown.