Flight Chaos Lingers as Shutdown Deal Faces Key House Vote

• Nov 13, 2025

Air travelers across the United States are facing continued disruptions as flight cancellations and delays stretch into another day, even as lawmakers work to end the government shutdown. Transportation officials warned Wednesday that the problems could persist for several days after the shutdown is resolved.

By midday, nearly 900 flights had been canceled and more than 700 delayed, according to tracking data from FlightAware. Although the delays were not linked to staffing shortages, flight cancellations are expected to increase again on Thursday. About 8% of scheduled flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports are projected to be canceled, deepening travel woes.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the situation could worsen if Congress fails to pass the bill reopening the government. “If this doesn’t open, you might have airlines that say, ‘We’re going to ground our planes. We’re not going to fly anymore.’ That’s how serious this is,” Duffy warned Tuesday night.

While Tuesday saw fewer disruptions than the weekend, with only four instances where air traffic staffing fell below minimum levels compared to 81 on Saturday, Duffy cautioned that recovery will take time. Once the government reopens, restoring flight schedules will happen gradually. Officials will review data such as pilot reports, safety incidents, and runway incursions before reversing any flight cuts.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastien told CNBC that operations should return to normal soon after the shutdown ends, though the impact has already been costly. He revealed that Delta experienced about 2,500 cancellations in recent days, calling it a “crazy amount.” Despite the setbacks, Bastien reassured passengers that the airline expects to operate smoothly for Thanksgiving travel if Congress finalizes the deal soon.

“We’re going to be OK for Thanksgiving,” Bastien said. “We got to get the vote done, and we’re counting on Congress to make that happen.”

The House of Representatives is set to vote Wednesday on the measure to end the shutdown, which would then move to President Trump’s desk for his signature. The shutdown will officially end once he signs the bill.

Meanwhile, stranded travelers remain anxious amid the uncertainty. “We’re just hoping and praying for the best,” said Marlyn Mayo, a passenger traveling from Washington, D.C., to Dallas-Fort Worth.