Commercial aviation in the United States faced significant turmoil on February 14, 2024, as Chicago O’Hare International Airport topped the list of the most affected airports with a staggering 320 flight cancellations and 623 delays. This disruption was largely attributed to the ongoing government shutdown which has led to a shortage of air traffic controllers, compounded by a winter storm warning affecting the region.
Data from Flightradar24 indicated that nearly 74% of O’Hare’s scheduled flights were impacted, totaling 943 affected operations. The combination of staffing shortages and adverse weather conditions created a challenging environment for travelers and airlines alike. A ground delay program was enforced at O’Hare from 11:50 to 00:59 on February 15, as officials struggled to manage the situation.
Widespread Airport Disruptions Across the Country
Chicago O’Hare was not alone in experiencing significant delays and cancellations. In fact, nine of the ten most affected airports in the United States were located within the country. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ranked second with 150 cancellations and 270 delays. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, while faring better in cancellations with only 63, saw half of its flights delayed.
Other airports in the top ten included New York LaGuardia (LGA), Boston Logan (BOS), Las Vegas (LAS), Newark (EWR), Orlando (MCO), and New York John F. Kennedy (JFK). The only exception to this trend was Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which reported 64 cancellations and 292 delays, largely due to the same winter storm that impacted the U.S. According to Open Jaw, this early winter storm contributed significantly to the travel disruptions.
Government Shutdown Exacerbates Air Traffic Control Issues
The ongoing government shutdown has had a profound impact on air traffic operations. Federal employees, including air traffic controllers, are required to work without pay, leading to heightened stress levels and increased absenteeism. This situation has further strained the already limited workforce and caused regulators to impose capacity restrictions at major hubs.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to dock pay for air traffic controllers who take sick leave, amidst proposals for bonuses for those who remain. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has expressed concerns that air traffic could “reduce to a trickle” if the shutdown continues without resolution.
As travelers face ongoing disruptions, the aviation sector grapples with the dual challenges of staffing shortages and adverse weather conditions. The future of air travel in the United States remains uncertain as stakeholders await a resolution to the government shutdown and the restoration of normal operations.
