Canadian travelers heading to the United States soon should monitor their flight status. Despite international flights being exempt from the Federal Aviation Administration’s plan to reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports, Canadians may still experience flight cancellations and delays due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. The FAA announced a 10% reduction in flights across major hubs like New York City and Chicago starting Friday, with reductions starting at 4% and increasing to 10% by November 14. This action aims to ensure travel safety as unpaid air traffic controllers face increasing strain during the prolonged shutdown, now the longest in history at 37 days.
Various U.S. airports, including those in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, will be affected by the flight reductions. Among the 40 impacted airports are major ones like Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, and San Francisco. Airlines are currently assessing the impact of these cuts, which could lead to up to 1,800 flight cancellations and around 268,000 fewer available seats. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have committed to providing refunds to passengers who choose not to fly, even for non-refundable tickets, while the FAA is placing severe restrictions on space launches and general aviation.
Canadian airlines, such as Air Canada and Porter Airlines, are already experiencing disruptions due to FAA staffing shortages. Air Canada mentioned potential delays for customers connecting to U.S. domestic flights operated by United Airlines and allowed passengers to change or postpone their travel without fees. Porter Airlines is managing disruptions and offering complimentary moves to certain U.S. destinations when space permits. WestJet reported no operational impacts, but Transport Canada advised travelers departing Canadian airports to verify their flight status beforehand.
Aviation expert John Gradek highlighted that delays in the U.S. air travel system could lead to cascading delays in the Canadian system due to integrated operations. He emphasized the significance of U.S. airspace for flights within Canada and to Mexico, warning that disruptions in American air traffic control could affect Canadian travel plans.
Finally, a list of the 40 affected U.S. airports includes major hubs like John F. Kennedy International in New York, Los Angeles International in California, and Denver International in Colorado. Travelers planning to fly to or from these airports should stay informed about potential flight changes.