Flights cancelled due to US shutdown – how it affects European travellers

Starting today (Friday, 7 November), around 4% of all flights in the United States are being cancelled at 40 of the country’s busiest airports due to the ongoing US government shutdown 2025. The FAA expects this figure to rise to up to 10% next week if the shutdown continues. While the cuts currently focus on domestic flights, international travellers are already feeling the impact.

Why is this happening?

The US federal government has failed to approve a new budget, leaving thousands of public employees — including air traffic controllers (ATCs) — working without pay.

As fatigue and staff shortages grow, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is limiting air traffic capacity to ensure safety. Up to 1,800 flights and 268,000 seats per day could be affected at major hubs.

How does this impact European travellers?

The effects of the US shutdown extend beyond domestic flights. For passengers travelling between the US and Europe, it means:

• Widespread delays and cancellations at major US airports are disrupting international schedules. Flights from Europe to key airports like New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD) and Atlanta (ATL) may depart late or be held on the ground due to a lack of available ATCs.
• Departing flights from the US are also delayed, as aircraft and crews are stranded in the wrong locations. This ripple effect is causing operational disruptions and new delays across European airports as well.
• Missed connections are becoming more common at major hubs like New York, Washington D.C. and Boston.
• Longer security and customs queues are adding to delays as fewer staff are available.
• If the shutdown continues, direct flights between the US and Europe could also face cuts or operational limits in the coming weeks.

What can passengers do?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), passengers may be entitled to compensation in case of a flight delay or a flight cancellation.

These rules apply:

• To all flights departing from the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, regardless of airline.
• To flights arriving in the EU, if operated by an EU airline (such as KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia or Ryanair).
• The same applies to flights to and from the UK under UK261, which offers the same rights and compensation levels.

Examples:

• Amsterdam – New York: covered by EU261 (any airline).
• New York – Amsterdam with KLM or Lufthansa: covered by EU261.
• New York – Amsterdam with American Airlines or Delta: not covered.
• London – New York with British Airways or easyJet: covered by UK261.

Note: a government shutdown is generally considered an “extraordinary circumstance”, meaning airlines often deny compensation.

However, it’s worth checking — sometimes the shutdown is cited as an excuse, while the real cause may be operational issues.

We’ll check your flight for you and, if you’re eligible, claim the compensation you’re owed — no win, no fee.

Extra tip: protect your next trip with Flight Delayed Premium

Be prepared for any delay or cancellation — no matter the reason (shutdown, strike, or technical issue).
With Flight Delayed Premium, you’ll get:

• Access to 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide in case of delay or cancellation
• 3 free EU261 claims within 12 months — no fee if we win
• Priority customer support — our team will get back to you faster if you need help

Frequent flyer or travelling via the US soon? Extra protection brings peace of mind.

Customer reviews

See what passengers say about Flight-Delayed.com and how we helped them get compensation for delayed and cancelled flights.

It took some time but I did receive compensation from Ryanair that I would never have got if I didn't use this company.
- Benjamin

Flight-Delayed.com made it easy to claim the compensation. Had tried to claim first myself but the Airline didn't even bother to even respond.
- customer

Easy, kept me updated, took it to court and won, recovered some funds from a delay. Did not spam me or inconvenience me in any way, I just submitted and they sorted it, persisting for over 6 months.
- Greg

What is the US government shutdown?

A shutdown happens when the US Congress and the White House fail to agree on a new budget. Without an approved budget, the government cannot spend money, forcing many agencies to close or operate without pay.

The current shutdown, which began on 1 October 2025, is now the longest in US history, affecting air traffic control, aviation, and other essential services.
If the political deadlock continues, the disruption to global air travel could worsen further.

About Flight-Delayed.com

Since 2010, Yource B.V. — parent company of Flight-Delayed.com, AirRefund.com, and others — has helped over two million passengers fight for their rights in cases of delayed, cancelled, and overbooked flights. Operating in more than ten countries, the company has won 98% of its court cases and works entirely on a no win, no fee basis.

The Flight-Delayed.com service is available in 10+ countries under local domains, including Vlucht-Vertraagd.nl, Vol-Retarde.fr, Flug-Verspaetet.de, Volo-In-Ritardo.it, and others.