"Flight Chaos Spreads: 1,400 US Flights Grounded"

US Air Traffic Cuts Enter Second Day, Disrupting Thousands of Flights More than 1,400 flights to, from, or within the US were cancelled on Saturday, as the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) capacity reduction at 40 major airports continued to disrupt air travel. The cancellations and delays, which affected nearly 6,000 flights, marked the second day of air traffic cuts implemented due to the federal government shutdown. According to flight tracker FlightAware, the number of delays decreased from over 7,000 on Friday to nearly 6,000 on Saturday. However, the cancellations and disruptions have caused significant inconvenience to thousands of passengers, with many left stranded at airports. The FAA announced earlier in the week that it would be reducing air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the nation's busiest airports as air traffic controllers, who are working without pay during the shutdown, report fatigue. The decision was made to mitigate the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of passengers. The prolonged federal government shutdown, which has now entered its 39th day, has led to bipartisan negotiations in Congress, but a resolution remains elusive. The shutdown has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only air travel but also essential services like food aid. "This is a classic example of how a prolonged shutdown can have unintended consequences," said a spokesperson for the FAA. "We are doing our best to minimize disruptions, but the situation is complex and requires a resolution from Congress." Air traffic controllers, who are working without pay, have been reporting fatigue and stress, which has led to the FAA's decision to reduce capacity. "We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of passengers, but it's getting increasingly difficult," said a union representative for air traffic controllers. "We need a resolution to this shutdown as soon as possible." The cancellations and delays have also highlighted the importance of air traffic controllers in ensuring the safe operation of air travel. "Air traffic controllers are the backbone of our air traffic system, and their work is critical to ensuring the safety of passengers," said a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration. As the shutdown continues, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight cancellations and delays. The FAA has also set up a website to provide updates on air traffic disruptions. The situation remains fluid, and passengers are urged to be prepared for further disruptions. The FAA and airlines are working together to minimize the impact of the shutdown, but a resolution from Congress is necessary to restore normal air traffic operations.