Flight cancellations and delays intensify as shutdown continues

Flight delays may continue even after shutdown ends

We are learning more after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that more flight cuts might occur as airports continue to manage staffing shortages as a result of the government shutdown. LiveNOW’s Austin Westfall is speaking with Randy Klatt from the Foundation for Aviation Safety as airlines canceled 1,700 flights Monday with almost 1,000 expected to be canceled on Tuesday.

Americans' travel plans continue to be impacted as airlines nationwide are canceling and delaying flights amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Airlines canceled 1,700 flights Monday and almost 1,000 for Tuesday. The Associated Press reported that some air traffic controllers, who aren't being paid, have stopped showing up to work.

Controller shortages resulted in delays of four hours at Chicago O’Hare and 45 minutes in Las Vegas on Monday. 

According to the AP, the FAA warned of staffing problems at over a dozen towers and control centers that may result in more disruptions in cities including Philadelphia, Nashville and Atlanta.

RELATED: Government shutdown nears end after Senate advances procedural vote

FILE-Passengers look at flight delays on a departure board at Orlando International Airport (MCO) on November 09, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

Trump pressures air traffic controllers to return to work

The other side:

President Donald Trump pressured controllers Monday on social media saying "All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,’" Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country," Trump's post read. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy agreed with Trump's stance and retweeted the post on Monday.

FOX News reported that Trump then reprimanded employees who stopped showing up for work. 

"For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU," read the post. "You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country."

Trump even threatened to replace them with "true Patriots" and "NO payment or severance of any kind" should they leave service in the "near future," FOX News noted. 

On Monday, the FAA expanded flight restrictions Monday, banning business jets and private flights from using a dozen airports already under commercial flight restrictions.

Airports nationwide have experienced some delays since the government shutdown started.

RELATED: 1,000+ flights canceled as FAA reduces traffic in shutdown

And travelers are likely to see more delays as airlines are unable to reposition planes, pilots and flight attendants because of the lack of air traffic controllers.

Duffy says more flight cuts may happen

Why you should care:

During an interview on "Fox News Sunday," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that extra flight cuts of up to 20% may be needed. His comments come after the Federal Aviation Administration enforced a 4% mandatory reduction in flights this weekend to handle staffing. 

On Sunday, the Senate moved to end the government shutdown after a group of moderate Democrats agreed to move forward without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, sparking anger among colleagues who insist Americans want them to keep fighting.

Why are the flights being canceled?

Dig deeper:

Air traffic controllers have gone without paychecks for nearly a month as the shutdown continues, leading many to call in sick and add to already existing staffing shortages.

Most controllers are working mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown without pay, and some are taking second jobs to pay their bills, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has said.