Airlines canceled 1,600 flights early Monday — the 41st day of the government shutdown — after Sunday had marked the worst day for travel disruptions.
The Federal Aviation Administration is limiting flight capacity at 40 major U.S. airports due to staffing shortages in air traffic controller towers and centers, fueling delays at airports across the country. Monday is the fourth day of air traffic staffing reductions.
More than 2,000 U.S. flights have been delayed Monday, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.com.
At Chicago Midway International Airport, 25% of flights have been axed, topping Monday’s cancellations so far.
Sunday marked the worst day for travel disruptions, as airlines canceled more than 2,800 U.S. flights and delayed more than 10,200. About 1,550 flights were canceled and 6,700 were delayed Saturday.
The Senate voted to advance a bill to end the government shutdown late Sunday, which would still need approval from the House and President Trump’s signature to become law — a several-day process.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he does not plan to reverse flight cuts until controllers start the return to work and safety data improves.
“My hope is that this government shutdown will end soon and we can get back in the business of letting Americans travel,” Mr. Duffy said Friday in an interview on ABC News.
• Mary McCue Bell can be reached at mbell@washingtontimes.com.
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