While Trump threatens controllers, US flight cancellations will drag on even after shutdown ends

A Delta airplane sets off from the Hartsfield-Jackson International South terminal on June 4, 2023. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Air travelers should expect worsening cancellations and delays this week even if the government shutdown ends, as the Federal Aviation Administration rolls out deeper cuts to flights at 40 major U.S. airports, officials said Monday.

The fourth day of the flight restrictions saw airlines scrap over 2,200 flights Monday and more than 1,000 flights set for takeoff Tuesday. Unpaid for more than a month, some air traffic controllers have begun calling out of work, citing stress and the need to take on second jobs.

President Donald Trump took to social media on Monday to pressure controllers to “get back to work, NOW!!!” He called for a $10,000 bonus for those who’ve stayed on the job and suggested docking pay for those who haven’t.