Flight disruptions from shutdown worsen; Delta, United offer extra pay to crew flights

Core Insights - The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has led to significant disruptions in air travel, with air traffic controller shortages exacerbating the situation [1][2][3] - Flight cancellations reached 2,631 on a recent Sunday, accounting for 10% of the scheduled flights, marking one of the worst days for cancellations since January 2024 [2] - The Senate is making progress on a potential deal to end the shutdown, but a funding bill has not yet been approved [3] Flight Cancellations and Delays - On a recent Monday, 1,432 out of 25,733 scheduled flights were canceled, representing approximately 5.5% of the total flights [3] - Over the weekend, there were 18,576 flight delays and 4,519 cancellations, indicating a growing trend of disruptions [3] - Cancellations have affected both regional and mainline flights, with major airlines like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offering extra pay to flight attendants to cover flights [4] Impact on Air Traffic Controllers - Air traffic controllers missed their second paycheck during the shutdown but are still required to work, leading some to seek additional employment [2] - The situation highlights the severity of air travel disruptions caused by the ongoing government shutdown [2]