United States air travel faced its worst day of turmoil since the start of the government shutdown, with over 2,700 flights canceled and more than 10,000 delayed.
The disruptions marked the third consecutive day of government-enforced flight reductions, compounded by increasing absences among air traffic controllers, reports Reuters.
Delta Air Lines was among the most affected carriers, with 52% of its mainline flights either canceled or delayed.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s 10% reduction in flight capacity across 40 major US airports is straining an already stressed supply chain ahead of the holiday season. The move affects key cargo hubs for FedEx in Indianapolis and Memphis, and for UPS in Louisville. Both companies have also grounded their McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleets after a deadly crash, sidelining 9% of UPS’s and 4% of FedEx’s aircraft.
While most air freight is international and remains unaffected, domestic shipments may face temporary slowdowns. FedEx and UPS have activated contingency plans to prioritise essential goods such as pharmaceuticals and electronics.
Logistics firms say trucks and ground networks can absorb some displaced cargo, though short-term constraints and higher spot rates are likely. Industry leaders caution that prolonged government shutdown disruptions could further worsen aviation delays and strain the broader supply chain.
