U.S. faces worst air travel chaos of shutdown: 10,000 delays, 3,200 cancellations hit passengers

US air travel faced its worst single-day disruption due to the federal government shutdown, causing over 10,000 delays and 3,200 cancellations. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and FAA personnel, working without pay, led to increased absenteeism and retirements. This has forced flight reductions, impacting travellers significantly during the holiday season.