According to FlightAware, at least 1,017 flights were canceled and approximately 5.4 thousand were delayed. At Reagan Washington International Airport, departure delays reached four hours; 17 percent flights were canceled, and approximately 40 percent were delayed, Reuters reported.
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How many flights have been canceled in the US?
What are the causes of flight delays?
Which airlines suffered the most?
What restrictions on air traffic has the Secretary of Transport announced?
Announcement of major restrictions at airports
Travelers complain in the media about the difficulties. The most canceled flights concern American Airlines and United Airlines.
US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that air traffic would be reduced by 10%. However, the restrictions are being introduced gradually and on Friday they amount to 4%. They are expected to increase in the coming days. Duffy did not rule out on Friday that the restrictions could reach 15 or even 20 percent. This could cost airlines tens of millions of dollars. Duffy said.
He also warned of “mass chaos” resulting from staff shortages. Thousands of federal workers – including air traffic controllers – are working without pay due to a 38-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history.
“My department has many responsibilities, but the number one responsibility is safety. This is not about politics, it is about assessing the data and mitigating the mounting risks in a system where controllers work without pay,” Duffy said. He also announced that the end of the shutdown would not result in the immediate restoration of normal air traffic operations.
