By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Fifth Straight Day of Major Disruptions as FAA Mandates Cuts
Airlines canceled nearly 1,200 flights on Tuesday, marking the fifth consecutive day of cancellations exceeding 1,000 since federal authorities imposed mandatory flight reductions to address safety concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had ordered airlines to cut 4% of daily flights last Friday, increasing to 6% on Tuesday, with planned escalations to 8% on Thursday and 10% by November 14. These measures come as air traffic control staffing shortages continue to disrupt travel nationwide.
Government Shutdown Worsens Aviation Turmoil
The ongoing government shutdown—now the longest in U.S. history—has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents to work without pay, exacerbating staffing shortages. The FAA is already short approximately 3,500 controllers, many of whom had been working mandatory overtime even before the shutdown. Over the weekend alone, 1.2 million passengers faced delays or cancellations due to controller absences. FlightAware data shows that airlines delayed over 1,300 flights on Tuesday, following 2,900 cancellations and 9,600 delays the previous day.
Negotiations Underway to Ease Flight Restrictions
Discussions between airlines and the FAA are ongoing to determine how and when to phase out the flight reductions as the shutdown nears a potential resolution. The Senate has approved legislation to temporarily fund the government through January 30, with the House expected to vote on the measure Wednesday. Meanwhile, President Trump has threatened to dock the pay of absent controllers, further intensifying tensions. While staffing shortages improved slightly on Tuesday, the aviation system remains under severe strain, with travelers bearing the brunt of the disruptions.