By the numbers: How the government shutdown is impacting U.S. air travel

"America's aviation system is straining under the weight of the longest government shutdown on record: thousands of flight cancellations, long delays at major airports, and frustrated travelers nationwide. In an unprecedented move, the Federal Aviation Administration last week ordered airlines to scale back domestic flight schedules, saying the cuts are meant to ease pressure on an overstretched system and help manage air traffic control staffing."

"The numbers show the shutdown's toll on air travel: 40 Major U.S. airports where all commercial airlines have been required to cancel flights since Nov. 7 under the FAA's orders. The list spans more than two dozen states and includes large hubs such as New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago. 12 Airports on the FAA's list of 40 where the agency also expanded restrictions to limit business jets and many private flights. 4% The initial reduction in flight schedules ordered by the FAA."

Air traffic control staffing shortages during the longest government shutdown have prompted FAA orders for airlines to scale back domestic schedules to ease system pressure. Some unpaid controllers have begun calling out or taking second jobs, leaving control towers and facilities short-staffed. The FAA required cancellations at 40 major U.S. airports and expanded restrictions at 12 of those to limit business and many private flights. The agency ordered an initial 4% schedule reduction and is targeting a 10% cut. About 1.9 million passengers use the affected airports daily, and roughly 5.2 million passengers have been affected since Oct. 1. Approximately 9,500 flights were canceled between Nov. 7 and mid-day Wednesday.

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