A reduction in U.S. flight volume began early Friday as the Federal Aviation Administration works to alleviate pressure on the aviation industry amid the ongoing government shutdown.
As of early Friday, 858 flights in the U.S. had been canceled, according to FlightAware.com. On Thursday, the website reported 201 cancellations.
The FAA said about 4% of domestic flights would be canceled on Friday, with that percentage increasing to 10% by next week. Officials said the shutdown has led to a growing number of air traffic controllers calling in sick. Air traffic controllers are among essential government employees required to continue working despite going weeks without a paycheck.
Officials said reductions will occur at 40 airports. Scripps News published a full list of affected airports on Thursdsay.
Airlines announce flight reductions
United Airlines has posted a list of hundreds of flights through Sunday that are being canceled. The airline said that because travel volumes are typically lower in early November, there are plenty of rebooking options.
Other airlines, such as Delta and American Airlines, are directing customers to use their apps.
The expectation is delays will get progressively worse as the shutdown continues.
“The FAA will have really a snapback. Because the controllers and the TSA people will get back pay. And so the reality of it is, is that it's like almost like a weather delay. It'll snap back very quickly within a couple of days for sure," said Chris Dane, aviation expert and president of Hickory Global Partners.
What to do if your flight is canceled
Many airlines are offering customers refunds, regardless of whether their flight is directly impacted. United said anyone flying between November 6 and 13 can request a refund or reschedule for free.
Delta and American are also offering customers flying between November 7 and 9 the option to request refunds.
"Even for folks like in basic economy, where they're non-refundable, they're allowing them to be refunded during this period. So the airlines are acting responsibly," Dane said.
