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US government shutdown leads to flight cancellations

November 8, 2025

More than a thousand flights have been cancelled amid the ongoing US government shutdown. As air traffic controllers work without pay, gradual cuts to air traffic operations have been ordered due to safety concerns.

https://p.dw.com/p/53JRc

New York's JFK Airport sees fewer flights as US government shutdown deepens. A 4% reduction in air traffic begins today, with a 10% cut expected next week. Despite thousands of delays and cancellations nationwide, JFK remains calm - by design, say officials. Air traffic controllers continue working unpaid, raising safety and staffing concerns as the shutdown becomes the longest in U.S. history.

Gasia Ohanes
Gasia Ohanes Berlin-based multimedia journalist and TV reporter covering international affairsgasiaohanes