Flight cancelations to worsen next week if shutdown continues

Core Points - The U.S. airline industry is facing significant disruptions due to air traffic controller shortages, resulting in over 5,000 flight delays and potential cuts to hundreds of flights next week if the government shutdown continues [1] - The Trump administration has mandated airlines to reduce flights at 40 busy airports, attributing the strain on the system to the ongoing government shutdown [2] - Air traffic controllers and airport security personnel are working without pay during the shutdown, leading some to seek additional employment to manage financial strain [3] - Approximately 1,650 flights were canceled on a recent Saturday, with cancellations reaching levels comparable to severe weather disruptions [4] - The FAA has ordered a phased reduction in flight schedules, starting with a 6% cut, increasing to 8% and potentially reaching 20% if the situation does not improve [5]