Flight crash in US continues, minister warns ahead of Thanksgiving

The United States is facing severe disruption to air travel in the wake of a record 40-day federal government shutdown that has caused a massive shortage of air traffic controllers. As a result, more than 2 800 flights had to be cancelled on Sunday and more than 10 000 flights were delayed.

It was thus the worst day since the start of the record-long government shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation could get even worse before Thanksgiving on November 27.

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered flight reductions at 40 airports and plans further restrictions - up to ten percent a day. Airlines, including United Airlines and American Airlines, are already reporting planned cancellations for the coming days.

Duffy warned that thousands of flights could be in jeopardy if controllers don't start returning to work. Since the shutdown began, several times more controllers than usual have retired.

The situation may also have serious consequences for the economy. The estimated daily impact is between USD 285 million and USD 580 million.

The Senate has already passed a measure to "reopen" the government, but its passage in the House of Representatives and the President's signature are still pending.

(reuters, max)