Over 1,000 Flights Canceled in U.S. Amid Longest Government Shutdown in History
Washington: More than **1,000 domestic flights** have been **canceled across the United States** as the country faces the **longest government shutdown in its history**, according to **American news agencies**.
The **Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)** has directed several of the nation’s busiest airports to **reduce flight operations** next week due to a **shortage of air traffic control staff**, as employees have **not been paid for nearly a month**.
On **Friday**, heavy passenger congestion was reported at **40 airports**, including **Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Charlotte (North Carolina)**, with several airlines canceling flights **just minutes before departure**.
The **shutdown**, imposed by the **Trump administration**, has not affected **international flights**, but overall **domestic air traffic has declined by about 10%**. Officials warned that if the shutdown continues and **more unpaid air traffic controllers** fail to report to work, **flight operations could drop by another 15–20%**.
The **White House** continues to pressure **Democrats** to resolve the **funding bill dispute**, while Democrats accuse **Republicans** of refusing to discuss healthcare subsidies.
The shutdown, which began on **October 1**, has also **disrupted food aid programs** for low-income Americans, further straining millions affected by the prolonged political deadlock.
