Flight delays reach 14,363 as government shutdown hits airports

Government Shutdown Impact on Air Travel - Government shutdown is causing significant flight cancellations and delays [2][5] - Flight cancellations are increasing, reaching 4% today, projected to rise to 6% tomorrow, 8% on Thursday, and 10% on Friday in the top 40 airports [3] - Potential for Thanksgiving travel to be severely impacted if the shutdown continues [4] - Over 3,000 delays today due to lack of slack in the system and bad weather, compounded by low air traffic controller staffing [5] Air Traffic Controller Concerns - Air traffic controllers have gone without pay for 38 days, raising concerns about their ability to make ends meet [8][9] - The possibility of future government shutdowns is weighing on the minds of air traffic controllers [8] - The president is considering a $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers who work [10] Airline Industry Response - Airlines are waiting for official confirmation of the government shutdown ending to restore schedules [2][6] - Airline stocks initially showed some relief but later trended slightly lower [4] - It will take time for airlines to restore schedules to pre-shutdown levels once air traffic controller staffing is certain [6]