FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The rollout of flight cancellations has begun.<\/p>\n
As of Friday morning, close to 1,000 flights scheduled in the U.S. were called off, and there have been more than 3,300 delays according to FlightAware. This, as the Federal Aviation Administration announced a 10% cancellation of flights across 40 major airports.<\/p>\n
While Fresno Yosemite International is not on that list, all of their national connections are and they are feeling the effects.<\/p>\n
We’ve seen a handful of delays on Friday and some cancellations. United cancelled several of its flights to and from San Francisco over the next few days.<\/p>\n
Some travelers tell Action News they weren’t going to risk it and opted to drive, while others said they’re just going to hope for the best.<\/p>\n
Airports across the country are on the frontlines of the government shutdown, now in its 38th day, the longest in U.S. history.<\/p>\n
“Do you have a backup plan at this point? No, we’re hoping everything turns out well. If not, we’ll be stuck over there,” says Yvonne Camacho, traveler from Dinuba.<\/p>\n
Heading to North Carolina to visit family, Yvonne Camacho tells us she’s constantly checking updates, afraid she might get stuck at her layover in Dallas, which is one of the airports on the list to face cancellations.<\/p>\n
“We’re really nervous because we can head that way but what if coming back, we have to stay over there or something,” says Camacho.<\/p>\n
Delays from Phoenix and San Diego, and cancellations from San Francisco, the board at Fresno Yosemite International is already experiencing turbulence.<\/p>\n
For some, it was heartbreaking to learn they were unable to fly to their destinations, but for others, it was smooth sailing.<\/p>\n
“I got to the airport a little early. I was a little worried, but I got there pretty much went right on plan,” says Ethan Holton, traveler from Buffalo New York.<\/p>\n
Delta expects to cancel about 170 flights a day. American Airlines estimates closer to 220.<\/p>\n
For United, it’s less than 200 daily. The airline published a specific list of each one on its website.<\/a><\/p>\n Travel experts now advise folks to buy flight insurance or even an extra ticket.<\/p>\n “It did cross our mind but no, it’s just extra money to spend so we’re just going to see what happens,” says Camacho.<\/p>\n If the shutdown lasts significantly longer, experts warn Fresno could see major economic impacts.<\/p>\n “We are grateful for that strong drive market as an alternative for those that are coming into the area. Obviously, the international component or those that are coming in from anther state, that would be the biggest impact for us,” says Lisa Oliviera, Visit Fresno County.<\/p>\n FAA officials cite safety precautions as the reason behind the cuts. Air traffic controllers tell Action News that staffing and capacity go hand in hand, and these cuts will help lighten the load.<\/p>\n But like most towers, Fresno is severely understaffed and the shutdown is only adding stress on the already embattled crew.<\/p>\n “One of the hardest things for our workforce is we wake up every morning and check the headlines and all the headlines say no end in sight,” says Jerry O’Gorman, President of Fresno’s National Air Traffic Controllers’ Union.<\/p>\n Federal officials say the reductions this weekend will start out at 4% but will be at 6% by November 11th, and then will eventually climb to 10% by the 14th.<\/p>\n For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Col\u00f3n on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n