More than 1,400 flights to and from the United States were canceled on Saturday due to reduced air traffic caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Nearly 6,000 additional flights were delayed, following over 7,000 delays on Friday, according to flight tracker FlightAware.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced earlier this week that it would reduce air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the country’s busiest airports, citing fatigue among air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the shutdown.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, has entered its 39th day, marking the longest in U.S. history, as Republicans and Democrats remain divided over a funding resolution to reopen the government.
In a statement, American Airlines called on Washington leaders to reach an immediate solution to end the shutdown.
Airports most affected by Saturday’s cancellations included Charlotte/Douglas International, Newark Liberty International, and Chicago O’Hare International, according to FlightAware.
