Travellers from Canada heading to the United States in the coming days should review their flight plans. While international flights are not included in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) initiative to decrease air traffic by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports, Canadians may still encounter flight cancellations and delays due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
What’s the Situation at U.S. Airports?
The FAA announced on Wednesday its decision to reduce flights by 10% at 40 airports, including key hubs like New York City and Chicago, starting on Friday due to the government shutdown in the U.S. The flight reductions will commence at 4% on Friday and escalate to 10% by November 14, affecting commercial airlines between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time.
The FAA stated that these measures are essential for ensuring travel safety, as unpaid air traffic controllers are showing signs of strain during the prolonged shutdown, now in its 37th day.
CBC News has contacted both the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for further details but has not yet received a response. In an automated email, the FAA indicated that they are not addressing routine media inquiries due to a funding lapse.
Which U.S. Airports Are Impacted?
Airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and various other U.S. hubs are among the 40 airports where flights will be reduced starting Friday. These airports handle the majority of air traffic in the U.S., including locations such as Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco. Multiple airports in major cities like New York, Houston, and Chicago will be affected.
A comprehensive list is provided at the end of this article.
How Will This Affect Flights?
Airlines are currently assessing the impact of these changes. Estimates suggest that up to 1,800 flights with approximately 268,000 seats combined could be affected. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have stated that they will offer refunds to passengers who choose not to fly, even if they hold non-refundable tickets. The FAA is also imposing significant restrictions on space launches and general aviation.
Impact on Canadian Travellers
Canadian airlines operate numerous cross-border flights each week, connecting passengers to various destinations through partner airlines. Air Canada confirmed that it is maintaining its regular schedule, but customers connecting to U.S. domestic flights via United Airlines may face disruptions, with delays already being reported. The airline mentioned that all carriers operating in the U.S. have encountered challenges, leading to manageable delays thus far.
Air Canada mentioned that passengers connecting with United can modify or postpone their travel without incurring change fees. Porter Airlines reported disruptions in flights to and from the U.S. due to FAA staffing shortages, causing delays in certain markets. The airline is offering complimentary rebookings to select U.S. destinations based on availability until Monday.
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