Flights are being cancelled today primarily due to staffing shortages of air traffic controllers caused by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which has been in effect for over a week. This shutdown has led to significant delays and cancellations at various airports as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) struggles to manage air traffic safely with reduced personnel. Some airports, like Reagan Washington National and Hollywood Burbank Airport, have had to slow down or temporarily halt operations due to these shortages, leading to flights being delayed or cancelled as a result. In addition to the direct impact of controller absences and sick calls, the shutdown has caused slower handling of flights in the air and on the ground to ensure safety, further contributing to cancellations today.
There are also isolated reports of cancellations linked to other causes like geopolitical instability affecting some international routes, but the widespread cancellations today are dominated by FAA staffing shortages due to the shutdown.
