U.S. Flight Cancellations Surge Amid Government Shutdown and Severe Weather
Widespread flight disruptions are impacting travelers across the United States as a government shutdown continues and a severe arctic blast brings frigid temperatures and snow to much of the country.
Florida airports have been particularly hard hit, experiencing over 1,300 cancellations and nearly 7,300 delays since Friday morning. As of 12:30 p.m. today, November 12, 2025, Florida airports reported 141 cancellations and almost 300 delays, with Orlando International Airport bearing the brunt of the disruptions with over 310 canceled flights and more than 2,060 delays since Friday. Nationally, more than 1,200 flights have been canceled and over 12,180 delayed today alone. These disruptions come at a critical time for holiday travel planning, potentially impacting millions.
Mandated flight cancellations are occurring to alleviate the strain on overworked air traffic controllers who have not been paid since the government shutdown began on October 1. Scott Keyes, founder of Going, advises travelers to be proactive. “The best thing travelers can do is to be as proactive as possible switching to a new flight,” Keyes said. “When a flight gets canceled, all of a sudden hundreds of passengers need new itineraries. There may only be a handful of seats left on the best flights, and it’s a first-come, first-(served) endeavor.” Passengers are entitled to a full refund if they choose not to fly on alternative itineraries. For more information on your rights as a traveler, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection website.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends travelers arrive at the airport two to two-and-a-half hours before domestic departures, anticipating increased wait times due to the ongoing shutdown. Even with a resolution to the government shutdown, restoring full staffing levels at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will take time. FlightAware provides real-time flight tracking information. Officials continue to monitor the situation and work towards minimizing further disruptions.
