WASHINGTON, D.C. — Air travel across the United States faced major disruptions Monday, with more than 2,000 flights canceled and thousands more delayed as airlines and airports struggled with winter weather, staffing shortages, and continued capacity limits imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to FlightAware, a flight tracking service, 2,100 flights were canceled and over 6,400 delayed by Monday afternoon. The hardest-hit airports included Chicago O’Hare International Airport with 454 cancellations, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with 227, and New York’s LaGuardia Airport with 144.
The FAA continues to limit air traffic at 40 major airports as part of a nationwide effort to stabilize air operations amid an ongoing government shutdown. The issue drew attention from President Donald Trump, who took to social media Monday morning with a stern message to air traffic controllers.
“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,’” Trump wrote.
The president also claimed he plans to offer $10,000 bonuses to controllers who worked through the shutdown without taking leave, though he did not specify how such payments would be administered.
“For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU,” Trump added.
Nick Daniels, president of the Air Traffic Controllers Union, responded during a press conference Monday afternoon, saying the union is open to discussions with the administration but reaffirmed the dedication of the nation’s air traffic controllers.
“I’ll take anything that recognizes these hard-working men and women,” Daniels said. “Air traffic controllers have continued to show up during this shutdown — the longest in American history — and they absolutely deserve their pay and respect.”
As the shutdown drags on and winter storms continue to sweep across several regions, travelers are being urged to check flight status updates before heading to the airport and to expect possible delays through midweek.
