These are the 10 US airports with the most delays due to the shutdown

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With Thanksgiving just weeks away, anxiety about the holiday season is already increasing. Now an ongoing government shutdown threatens to add fuel to the fire, turning the busiest travel week of the year into a potential nightmare.

Hereby Travel off the pathwe’re all about giving you the real information on the ground. The root of the problem isn’t just about longer lines at security checkpoints; it concerns critical staff shortages at air traffic control (ATC) towers. When ATC is understaffed, the entire system slows down and the FAA has no choice but to implement “Ground Delay Programs” and “Ground Stops” at the nation’s major interchanges.

Based on our analysis of the FAA’s live National Airspace System statusthese are the ten airports that are most affected. If you fly from, to or Through If you arrive at one of these airports, be prepared for significant delays.

The 10 airports with the most delays

We’ve grouped together the 10 airports most frequently targeted by Ground Delay Programs because they are the most critical to the U.S. air system.

The chokepoints on the east coast

These airports are the busiest in the country, and any staffing problem here causes immediate ripple effects.

• Newark (EWR)
• LaGuardia (LGA)
• New York (JFK)
• Orlando (MCO)

The three major hubs in New York (JFK, EWR, LGA) are the epicenter of the delays. The FAA already reports “personnel” here as the reason for ground delays, with some flights held at their departure airport for hours. Orlando, a huge hub for leisure travel, is also experiencing major delays as it struggles to manage high volumes with fewer controllers.

The Central & Texas Power Hubs

These enormous hubs form the heart of the national flight network. When they get clogged, the entire system feels it.

• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Houston (IAH)

Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth are critical connecting hubs for both American and United. Every ATC shortage here means a wave of delays that ripples across the country. We also see alarming reports on site from travelers Houston (IAH) quote security line delays of up to three hoursfurther exacerbating ATC problems.

The gateways to the west coast

These airports are the main gateways for trans-Pacific and cross-country travel, and they are not immune.

• Denver (DEN)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Los Angeles (LAX)

Denver, a major hub for both United and Southwest, is seeing delays piling up. On the West Coast, San Francisco (SFO) is particularly vulnerable due to its closely spaced runways, and any staffing problem is exacerbated by weather, leading to a rapid ‘Ground Delay Program’.

What this actually means for you: the smart traveler’s guide

This situation is changeable, but not hopeless. Here are the practical, actionable tips to follow when traveling this fall or winter.

1. The “3-hour rule” is now mandatory

This is no longer a friendly suggestion. You have to give yourself extra time. The problem is twofold: you will be confronted longer lines at TSA due to potential staff shortages, and what you will have to deal with longer wait on the asphalt due to delays at the ATC. Arriving at least 3 hours before a domestic flight (and 4 hours for an international flight) is the new non-negotiable minimum.

2. Your airline app is yours Only Source of truth

The departure board at the airport is often updated last. Your airline mobile app has the most accurate, real-time information about your specific flight. Enable push notifications immediately. Here you will see a delay or cancellation warning long before it is announced at the gate.

3. Check your flight status For You leave your house

Don’t be the person who drives all the way to the airport only to find out your flight was canceled two hours ago. Check your airline’s app or website before even calling your Uber.

4. Pack your patience (and snacks).

Be prepared for long wait times even after boarding the plane. Many of these delays are “Ground Stops,” meaning your fully checked-in plane is sitting on the tarmac waiting for a spot to open up for takeoff. This is a good time to have a fully charged phone, a downloaded movie, and your own snacks and water.

This is an evolving situation and we will keep you informed. To check the latest official travel advice And admission requirements for any international travel, make sure you use our 1 minute trip check.

Travel safely!