US airlines extend domestic flight cancellations despite tentative deal to end government shutdown

US carriers continue to schedule hundreds of domestic flight cancellations despite senators passing a deal on Sunday to pave the way to end the longest government shutdown in history.

 

The tentative proposal to end 40 days of stalemate still needs to pass other hurdles before being ratified amid deep divisions between Republican and Democratic politicians. 

 

Flight restrictions were imposed on all airlines at 40 airports across the country by the US Federal Aviation Administration due to a shortage of air traffic controllers - many who have not been paid for more than a month.

 

American Airlines confirmed that its US schedule had been reduced by 6% from tomorrow (Tuesday), amounting to about 200 flights.

 

United Airlines grounded almost 200 flights today with a similar number on Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

Delta Air Lines listed affected airports and said travel would be impacted until November 14.

 

American Airlines said: “Due to the ongoing government shutdown and nationwide air traffic control staffing shortages, the FAA directed airlines to reduce schedules to continue to maintain safe airspace operations. 

 

“Per FAA requirement, we have reduced flight schedules by 6% at 40 airports for Tuesday, amounting to about 200 flights cancelled due to a smaller schedule. 

 

“This comes after the FAA required us to reduce schedules by 4% November 7 through November 10. 

 

“We are continuing to communicate with impacted customers. We encourage everyone to check their flight status.”

 

The carrier added: “Disrupting customers’ plans is the last thing we want to do, and we have issued a travel waiver to provide additional flexibility during the impacted travel period. Customers whose flights are cancelled for any reason or who choose not to travel will be able to change their flight or request a refund without any penalty.

 

“We’re deeply grateful to federal aviation workers who continue working without pay to keep our skies safe. This is unacceptable. We, once again, urge leaders in

Washington DC to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown.”

 

United said: “The FAA’s goal is to relieve pressure on the aviation system so that every airline can continue to operate safely. 

 

“That is the FAA’s highest priority, and ours as well. No matter what environment we’re operating in, we won’t compromise on safety.

 

“We’ll make rolling updates to our schedule if the government shutdown continues.”

 

The airline reiterated that its long-haul international flying will not be affected, nor will flights that connect the hub airports of Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Newark Liberty International, San Francisco and Washington Dulles. 

 

United added: “Even with these schedule reductions, we expect to offer about 4,000 flights per day. And because of the early November timing, our flights have more available seats than during the summer, giving you more rebooking options.”

 

The Global Business Travel Association joined a coalition of aviation trade bodies - the Modern Skies Coalition - to urge action to end the shutdown.

 

A statement said: “The aviation community stands united in calling on Congress to end the shutdown without delay. 

 

"This prolonged shutdown has strained the aviation system and its dedicated workforce to unacceptable levels of stress and disruption. 

 

“The American flying public deserves nothing less than a fully operational aviation system. It’s time for Congress to act decisively.”