Over 8,000 Flights Delayed in the U.S.

Government Shutdown Causes Widespread Air Traffic Disruptions and Growing Cargo Backlogs

Date: October 29, 2025｜Source: Reuters, FlightAware, Airforwarders Association (AfA)｜Edited by: Pasi International Logistics

1. Latest Update｜Government Shutdown Triggers Air Transport Chaos

The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown is increasingly impacting the aviation industry, as air traffic controllers (ATC) continue to call out due to unpaid wages. The result is a nationwide wave of flight delays and cancellations.

According to Reuters, the shutdown has now entered its 26th day. On Sunday, October 26, more than 8,000 flights across the United States were delayed, while about 5,300 flights were delayed the previous day.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that 22 regions are experiencing critical shortages of air traffic controllers and warned that further disruptions are likely in the coming days.

“As they go unpaid, many controllers are now taking second jobs just to make ends meet,” said Secretary Duffy.

2. Data Overview｜Air Cargo Operations Under Growing Pressure

According to FlightAware tracking data:

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) issued an industry-wide warning, noting that “cargo backlogs are growing rapidly and continuing to disrupt the supply chain.”

AfA Executive Director Brandon Fried stated:

“Air cargo relies on a functioning federal government—TSA officers screen cargo, and CBP officers are essential for customs clearance. If TSA, FAA, and CBP employees cannot resume receiving pay soon, absenteeism will increase and broader economic impacts will follow.”

3. Industry Impact｜Delays and Policy Changes Compound Supply Chain Strain

Analysts note that the current disruption affects not only passenger travel but also the air cargo sector, which depends heavily on passenger aircraft belly space.

“Passenger flights are prioritized over cargo. When thousands of flights are delayed, cargo shipments inevitably fall behind.”

This means:

Longer transit times and slower transshipment cycles

Customs congestion at major U.S. airports

Increased logistics costs and supply chain uncertainty

Furthermore, this wave of delays coincides with the T86 de minimis policy suspension and new U.S. tariff measures set to take effect on November 1, 2025, compounding the challenges faced by importers and exporters.

4. Pasi’s Recommendations｜Stay Proactive and Flexible

Given the current instability in U.S. air freight operations, Pasi International Logistics advises shippers to take the following actions:

Plan Ahead
Book space at least 7–10 days in advance to avoid last-minute disruptions.

Consider Alternative Routes
Explore transshipment options via Canada, Mexico, or Asian hubs to bypass U.S. airport bottlenecks.

Optimize Customs and Delivery Strategies
For small-volume, high-value shipments, consider express or dedicated line services to minimize clearance delays.

Monitor Updates Closely
Follow Pasi’s official updates for real-time flight information and policy alerts.

5. Conclusion｜Pasi Helps You Navigate Supply Chain Uncertainty

The U.S. flight delay situation remains fluid, and air cargo congestion is expected to continue until the government shutdown is resolved.
In this environment, early planning, flexible routing, and close communication with logistics partners are key to maintaining operational stability.

Pasi International Logistics continues to monitor developments closely, providing clients with the latest transit updates, contingency plans, and comprehensive cross-border logistics solutions.

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