The US federal government shutdown, now in its 40th day, has led to over 2,000 flight cancellations and 8,000 delays. Staffing shortages and FAA-imposed flight reductions at major airports threaten Thanksgiving travel and could impact fourth-quarter economic growth.

Washington: As the US federal government shutdown entered its 40th day, more than 2,000 flights were cancelled and over 8,000 delayed nationwide, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.

Since the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) mandated flight reduction policy took effect on Friday, the number of canceled flights surged from 202 on Thursday to 1,025 on Friday, and further to 1,566 on Saturday, Xinha news agency reported.

The number of air traffic controllers taking leave has risen since the shutdown began

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