By the Numbers: How the U.S. Shutdown Disrupted Air Travel

America’s aviation system faced unprecedented strain during the record 43-day government shutdown, which caused massive flight cancellations, long delays, and financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks.

The Federal Aviation Administration required airlines to reduce domestic flight schedules, affecting 40 major airports and impacting over 5 million passengers.

Staffing shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers forced cancellations and delays at hubs including New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago, while private and business flights were restricted at 12 airports.

Daily, 1.9 million passengers used the affected airports, with 10,100 flights canceled between Nov. 7 and midweek.

The FAA initially ordered a 4% reduction, later keeping a 6% cut, citing staffing pressures during the shutdown.

President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, officially ending the shutdown, relieving federal workers, easing airport disruptions, and stabilizing the U.S. aviation system.