Thousands of flights cancelled across the US amid government shut down

US airlines are experiencing severe delays and cancellations after the Trump administration ordered flight reductions at major airports across the country.

The order was made due to a shortage of air traffic controllers during the longest government shutdown in history.

As a result, there are expected to be thousands of flight delays and cancellations at short notice.

Airlines have estimated that around 3.2million travellers will be impacted due to the government shutdown.

What has happened?

On Wednesday, the US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered 10 per cent of flights to be cut, starting today, at 40 major US airports including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revised this plan and said that airlines must cut four per cent of domestic flights starting at 6am today through to Monday.

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This will then rise to a 10 per cent cut by November 14.

It comes after the US government shut down on October 1 after the Republicans and Democrats could not agree to pass a bill on funding government services.

Air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA, which is part of the US government and as a result is one of the services impacted, with controllers expected to work without pay.

For American Airlines, this means 220 flights cancelled each day from today through to Monday.

Delta Air Lines announced that it would be cancelling 170 US flights due to fly today.

United Airlines then confirmed that it would have less than 200 daily flight cancellations.

During the government shutdown, 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners have been forced to work without pay.

Before the shutdown, the FAA was already approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers short.

So what does this mean for British travellers?

The delays and cancellations aren’t impacting international flights, meaning for Brits travelling from the UK to America or vice-versa, they will not be impacted.

However there will be issues for Brits catching flights within America, including connecting flights.

For example, you could be on holiday in New York and decide to go to Boston – well, in this case your flight might be delayed or cancelled.

In addition, due to internal flights being delayed or cancelled, there may be reduced or congested service when flights land in America.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned: “There could be travel disruptions, including flight delays and longer queue times at some airports, due to the current US federal government shutdown.

“Check for messaging from your travel provider or airline and follow their guidance.

“There may also be restrictions on access to some federally-managed tourist attractions.

“Please check the relevant websites in advance.”

What should you do if you are in America and due to get an internal flight?

The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot said: “Scenes of travel chaos as the US government shutdown enters its 38th day are always going to be a concern to travellers.

“While most flights to the United States with our traditional carriers are running ok at the moment, British passengers who have connecting flights in the States are right to worry they could be impacted.

“If the longest shutdown in US history continues, Brits should brace themselves for delays and longer queue times at airports across the country.

“But your passenger rights are very different depending on where you are flying to or from – and on which airline.

“If a flight from the UK to the US is delayed or cancelled, passengers should be flown to their destination as quickly as possible.

“If the delays are significant, your airline has a duty of care and should be providing you with food and drink and if necessary, overnight accommodation.

“If you are flying back to the UK on a British or European airline, the same rights apply.

“But, take a note of exactly WHO you are flying with.

“Some tickets bought from the likes of British Airways may be code-sharing flights with their partner American Airlines, the same applies for those who have bought Virgin Atlantic flights if the plane they are travelling on is owned by Delta, their code-share partner.

“If you are flying on an American or Delta plane and there are significant delays or cancellations, the same passenger rights do NOT apply.

“The best advice is to check exactly who you are flying with and make sure you check with your airline regularly in the run up to your flight.”

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