The U.S. government shutdown officially ended on Wednesday with President Donald Trump signing a continuing resolution to fund federal operations. While this step restores governmental functions, travelers are still experiencing significant disruptions at airports across the country. Airlines continue to cancel or delay hundreds of flights following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) capacity restrictions.
As of Thursday afternoon, more than 2,100 flights within, into, or out of the United States were delayed, and over 1,000 flights were canceled, according to FlightAware. Chicago O’Hare International Airport reported the highest number of cancellations, exceeding 50 outbound flights, followed by Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Denver International, and Newark Liberty International Airports.
Airlines are offering flexible options for affected passengers. United Airlines extended its travel waiver through November 16, 2025, for flights passing through major hubs including Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles. Similarly, American Airlines has extended travel waivers through November 15, while Delta Air Lines and JetBlue have done so through November 16. Passengers are strongly advised to monitor airline websites and apps for updates and to rebook promptly in the event of cancellations, as available seats remain limited.
In addition to lingering effects from the government shutdown, heavy rain and winter storms along the U.S. West Coast are expected to further disrupt travel. AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno explained that an unusual combination of storm patterns, a dip in the jet stream, and abundant Pacific moisture will bring widespread rainfall to Southern California coastal areas, including Los Angeles, with gusts exceeding 50 mph and potential snow accumulation in higher-elevation ski regions. Travelers should prepare for delays and exercise caution when planning weekend trips.
