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Uncertainty continues for travelers as shutdown-related flight delays drag on

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. s-as-shutdown-related-flight-delays-drag-on.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 11:25 GMT by Times of San Diego

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Flight Delays Persist as the Federal Shutdown Continues to Shake Up Travel

The latest report from The Times of San Diego on November 9, 2025 paints a stark picture of how the ongoing federal government shutdown is wreaking havoc on air travel across the West Coast. With the federal government still in the throes of a budget impasse, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been unable to deploy full staff, resulting in widespread flight delays, cancellations, and a growing sense of uncertainty among passengers and airline crews alike.

The Core of the Problem

At the heart of the issue lies the furlough of more than 8,000 civil service employees who support aviation operations. This includes FAA air traffic controllers, airport security officers, and airline dispatchers. The shutdown, which began on October 30, has not yet been resolved, and as of the time of the article, the DOT’s budgetary status remains in limbo. “We are in a very precarious position,” said an FAA spokesperson. “Without funding, we cannot ensure the full staffing required to manage the complexity of air traffic in and out of our busiest hubs.”

San Diego International Airport (SAN) has been one of the hardest hit, with a reported 40% increase in average flight delay times compared to the same period last year. According to airport operations data cited in the article, 27 of the 38 flights scheduled to depart on a typical Wednesday in the past week were delayed by at least 30 minutes, and 11 flights were canceled outright.

The article quotes several passengers who were stranded at the airport for up to six hours. “I had a connection in Los Angeles that I missed, and I had to find a new flight for the next day,” said one traveler. “The whole day is gone, and I’m stuck paying for a hotel room because the airline can’t accommodate me.” The emotional toll on travelers is compounded by the fact that many airlines have opted for a “no‑show” policy for passengers whose flights are canceled during the shutdown, offering only a partial refund and no guarantee of rebooking.

Impact on Airlines and Crew

The article provides detailed interviews with airline representatives. United Airlines has announced a temporary reduction in schedule by 20% across the Pacific Northwest and California markets. Southwest Airlines has cited “operational constraints” and said it is “monitoring the situation closely” but expects “additional flight cancellations over the coming weeks.” Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, is “adjusting crew assignments and flight times” but is “not taking any drastic cuts” as it attempts to keep a semblance of service.

Flight attendants and pilots are also feeling the strain. A union representative for the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) said, “We’re being asked to work longer hours and handle more flights without the usual support from the FAA. It’s a safety concern, as well as a morale issue.” Several pilots have called for a “clear timeline for the resumption of normal operations” to help them plan their schedules and personal lives.

The Security Shortfall

Security at airports has become another pressing concern. The article notes that the TSA has furloughed 2,300 officers, forcing security lines at major hubs to run at 50% capacity. At SAN, the average wait time at security checkpoints has ballooned from 12 minutes pre‑shutdown to 28 minutes on average. “We’re dealing with a backlog that can’t be cleared until we get the right staff numbers back,” said a TSA supervisor. The article also references a link to another Times of San Diego story, “TSA Staffing Crisis Threatens Airport Safety,” which highlights how the lack of trained personnel has led to increased instances of oversights in prohibited item checks and a rise in the number of passengers experiencing security “delays and confusion.”

Broader Economic and Safety Implications

The article explores the broader economic fallout, noting that the shutdown has already cost the aviation industry an estimated $1.2 billion in lost revenue for the first two months of 2025. Small regional carriers have been disproportionately affected; the article includes a case study of the local carrier “Pacific Air,” which had to suspend all flights for three days and later filed for temporary bankruptcy protection.

Safety concerns were also addressed. The FAA’s oversight has been weakened, and the article cites a link to a recent report titled “FAA Flight Safety Protocols During Shutdown.” The report explains that, in lieu of the usual full complement of safety inspectors, the FAA has instituted a “streamlined audit” process that focuses only on high‑risk airports. This has left many smaller airports without the same level of scrutiny, raising red flags for regulators and passengers alike.

What’s Next?

In the face of continued uncertainty, the Times of San Diego article urges travelers to remain flexible and keep an eye on airline communications. Airlines are encouraging passengers to book refundable tickets and to sign up for real‑time updates via email or the airline’s mobile app. The piece also advises that passengers who are scheduled to travel on critical business or medical appointments should consider alternative transportation or travel insurance that covers “government‑shutdown‑related” disruptions.

The article concludes by highlighting that the shutdown’s resolution will likely hinge on congressional negotiations that are still in the early stages. Until the federal budget is approved and funds are allocated, the airline industry will continue to struggle with a shortage of essential personnel, flight delays, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty that threatens to disrupt travel for weeks to come.