11/12/2025
Almost 900 flights were canceled nationwide Wednesday morning, hours ahead of a vote in the House that could end the 43-day government shutdown.
A total of 888 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were canceled Wednesday, according to data from FlightAware’s tracking system. Another 720 trips were delayed, according to the website.
Airline passengers have experienced an uptick in flight interruptions at airports across the country in recent days after the Federal Aviation Administration announced earlier this month that due to staffing shortages amid the shutdown, operations at many airports throughout the U.S. needed to be reduced.
A record number of air traffic controllers have retired or called out during the lapse in funding, as many were required to work without pay for weeks. The controller system was already experiencing technology and staffing issues ahead of the shutdown.
Senators approved a stopgap funding plan on Monday in a 60-40 vote ensuring that military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the legislative branch are funded through the end of next September. The rest of the federal government, if the legislation is passed by the House, will remain afloat until a new deadline: Jan. 30.
Lawmakers in the lower chamber are expected to vote on the funding bill Wednesday evening. The measure is expected to pass, and it will then head to President Trump’s desk for his signature.
“We’re at the cusp of hopefully having the government reopened. I’m concerned that we’re not going to have, on day one, controllers come back into the towers right away,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said during a Tuesday press conference, warning that flight reductions could continue despite movement on the bill.
“I’m asking them to do that. President Trump has asked them to do that. It is their jobs, and they will be paid, but it might not be immediate that they come back in,” he added.
On Tuesday, 40 major airports were ordered to reduce flights by 6 percent for safety reasons amid the shortage in controllers. They are also expected to increase cuts to 8 percent to 10 percent later this week if the shutdown continues.
Commercial airlines have warned travelers about the risk of having their flights either delayed or canceled amid the federal shuttering. Many have encouraged passengers to check their mobile apps to ensure their plane is still scheduled for takeoff before heading to the airport.
Those whose trips are canceled can be rebooked for a later flight at no cost or receive a refund.
“We’re encouraged by the progress being made in Washington, D.C., and we’ve already seen it materialize today with fewer delays and cancellations in our operation,” American Airlines wrote in a Tuesday statement. “There have also been many fewer air traffic control facilities with staffing challenges, which means greater certainty for airlines and the flying public.”
“We’re deeply grateful to federal aviation workers who continue working without pay to keep our skies safe. This is unacceptable,” the airline added later. “We are hopeful that an end to this shutdown is in sight, and we urge leaders in Washington, D.C., to reopen the government as soon as possible.”
