More than 7,000 flights to, from and within the United States of America were disrupted or cancelled on Saturday amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Over 1,400 of those flights were completely cancelled, while up to 6,000 were delayed.
The disruptions come following an announcement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) who during the week confirmed they would be reducing air travel capacity by up to 10%.
The organisation on Saturday reported major staffing issues in air traffic control, which affected 37 airport towers and other centres and delaying flights in big cities such as San Francisco, Chicago and New Jersey.
The cuts from the FAA include as many as 700 flights from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
The shutdown began on October 1 and doesn’t appear to be concluding any time soon as Republicans and Democrats remain at loggerheads on the funding resolution to reopen the government.
With the American holiday season getting underway later in the month, with Thanksgiving on November 27, it’s one of the busiest periods for travelling in and out of North America.
A statement from American Airlines released on Saturday urged leaders to ‘reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown.’
The statement read: ‘Due to the prolonged government shutdown and nationwide air traffic control staffing shortages, we, like most airlines, are experiencing additional and widespread delays and concellations across the country today despite the advanced cancellations that the FAA required us to make.
‘We, again, urge leaders in Washington D.C. to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown.’
The airline added that they would notify any customers whose flights have been impacted.
The FAA confirmed they would be gradually reducing flights, starting at 4% on Friday before reaching 10% by November 4.
They noted that the cuts were needed in order to ensure safety as air traffic controllers have been overworked during the shutdown.
These staff members are essential workers and are expected to continue working without pay — leading to many calling in sick and/or taking on second jobs to make ends meet.
Extra.ie have contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy in Dublin for advice concerning those travelling to and from Ireland.
