Airlines are expected to cancel 6% of flights at 40 major U.S. airports on Tuesday (November 11) as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate continues during the government shutdown. This comes despite the Senate passing a preliminary agreement to end the shutdown. Over 1,100 flights within the U.S. were already canceled by Tuesday morning, with more than 850 delays reported.
The FAA initially required a 4% reduction in flights, but this has increased to 6%, with plans to reach 10% by Friday. The shutdown, which has left air traffic controllers unpaid, has led to significant disruptions, compounded by adverse weather conditions in some areas.
Airlines like United, Delta, and JetBlue have issued waivers, allowing travelers to rebook or cancel flights without penalties. Even if the government reopens this week, the shutdown’s impact on air travel may extend into the Thanksgiving holiday, with experts suggesting a recovery period of up to two weeks once the government reopens.
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