Thousands of flights across the Midwest have been canceled as a snowstorm sweeps the region

"Passengers are experiencing longer-than-normal wait times at TSA security checkpoints due to the partial government shutdown and recent inclement weather impacting flight operations. It advised passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight."

"According to data from the flight-tracking website FlightAware, cancellations of flights within, into, or out of the US totaled 4,683 on Monday. There were also 11,752 flight delays recorded in the US on the same day. This adds to the 3,248 cancellations and 10,741 delays on Sunday."

"The heavy snowfall comes as the country's air travel is already stretched thin because of a partial government shutdown, which has led to federal aviation workers, like TSA employees and air traffic controllers, working without paychecks. Many TSA officers are not showing up for their shifts, leading to long wait times at security checks."

A severe winter snowstorm across the Midwest is compounding disruptions to US air travel already strained by a partial government shutdown. On Monday, 4,683 flights were cancelled and 11,752 were delayed, following 3,248 cancellations and 10,741 delays on Sunday. Major airports including Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, LaGuardia, and Charlotte Douglas experienced the highest cancellation rates. The National Weather Service warned of heavy snow, gusty winds, and brief heavy snow bands causing local travel impacts. Airports reported massive crowds and extended security lines. The shutdown has forced federal aviation workers, including TSA employees and air traffic controllers, to work without pay, causing many to miss shifts and creating longer wait times at security checkpoints nationwide.

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