Amid the U.S. government shutdown* and in compliance with a Federal Aviation Administration mandate, airlines were scheduled to cancel 6 percent of flights at 40 high-traffic airports as of Nov. 12.
By the afternoon of Nov. 12, nearly 800 flights within the United States were canceled with more than 1,200 flights delayed, according to FlightAware. LaGuardia Airport experienced the highest number of delays and cancellations on Nov. 11, with 11 percent of flights into and out of the airport canceled, and 25 percent delayed. As of the afternoon of Nov. 12, departing flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport experienced 45 cancellations and 51 delays.
Other airports heavily impacted include Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN), Boston (BOS), Newark (EWR), Phoenix (PHX), San Francisco (SFO), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX). Domestic flights bore the brunt of the cancellations and delays, while international flights remained largely untouched due to agreements with other countries.
FlightAware also listed SkyWest, Republic, Southwest, Endeavor Air (operated by Delta Air Lines), Delta Air Lines and United Airlines as the most impacted. SkyWest experienced 264 cancellations and 74 delays today.
Delays and cancellations have been further exacerbated by bad weather in parts of the country.
The FAA’s decision to lower the number of daily flights was made to accommodate the approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents who have worked more than 40 days without pay.
According to the FAA, the cancellation reduction could increase to 10 percent by Nov. 14.
This past Sunday and Monday (Nov. 9 and 10) saw the most daily U.S. cancellations to date, with Nov. 9 nearing 3,000 cancellations, according to FlightAware. Delays and cancellations have affected more than 5 million U.S. travelers.
The delays and cancellations mean a long recovery, even when the government reopens.
*As of press time, the government shutdown was still in effect.
Have you been impacted by these delays and cancellations? What was your recent flying experience like with these FAA cuts? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Dec 5, 2025New Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel Coming to Napa Valley in Early 2026
The new property will feature 203 guestrooms and suites, all with earth-tone palettes, warm wood accents, generous space and spa-like bathrooms.
Sponsored Content
TAP FORBIZ: Empowering Business Travel for Every Enterprise
In today's global business landscape, travel isn’t just movement — it’s momentum. TAP FORBIZ, TAP Air Portugal’s premium corporate travel solution, is engineered to maximize that momentum across all types of businesses — from agile SMEs to global enterprises and orchestrated events.
Daily
Dec 4, 2025Montréal’s Largest Airport Enhances Its Transit Center
Transit passengers arriving at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport will be quite surprised (and happy) to see the airport modernized its transit experience.
December 2025
Dec 4, 2025Take your Festive Celebrations to Sea on Dreamy Holiday Cruises
Decked in dazzling décor, a mammoth menorah and tinseled trees aplenty, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur made holiday magic during its December 2023 maiden voyage from Miami.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Daily
Dec 4, 2025Sofitel New York Unveils Full-Scale Renovation
Sofitel New York recently unveiled its highly anticipated transformation that drew inspiration from the shared Art Deco heritage of New York City and Paris.
eFlyer News
Dec 3, 2025Etihad Airways to Add 32 Airbus Aircraft to Fleet by 2027
Etihad Airways recently announced a major expansion of its widebody fleet with 32 additional Airbus aircraft scheduled. The new order will include Airbus A350-1000s, A350F freighters and A330-900s, with first deliveries slated for 2027, one of the earliest widebody availability windows in the global market.
Sponsored Content
Ireland: The Pinnacle of Golf by the Sea and Beyond
With the legacy of The Open at Royal Portrush still fresh, Ireland secured its place among the world’s most exceptional golf destinations. For those in search of championship courses, dramatic landscapes and renowned hospitality, the island offers an experience unlike any other.
December 2025
Dec 3, 2025Keep Warm This Winter with Boldly Designed Outerwear
HiSO Bean Shearling Bomber HiSO’s Bean bomber gives the classic flight jacket a sculpted upgrade. Cropped with oversized shoulders and a crisp stand collar, it’s made in Toronto from 100 percent Toscana wool shearling with a modern shadow finish and fully lined for extra warmth. Slash side pockets keep the silhouette clean, while a discreet hook closure seals it shut. Designed for statement layering and built to last, it’s a sharp cold-weather staple with structured edge. $1,750.
ShareThis