Airlines warn flight reductions could cost U.S. economy

(The Center Square) – Flight delays and cancelations are frustrating Americans and could be costing the U.S. economy millions of dollars each day, according to a new report from U.S. airlines as the government shutdown continues.

Airlines for America, the trade group for U.S. airlines, said controller staffing issues contributed to 61% of National Airspace System delay minutes from Nov. 7-9. That's up from 47% in the first six days of November, 16% in October and 5% in the first nine months of 2025, according to the trade group.

Staffing shortages disrupted 5.2 million airline passengers from Oct. 1 through Nov. 9, according to the group.

Republicans have blamed Democrats for the shutdown and Democrats have blamed Republicans. The shutdown started when Congress failed to pass spending b