ORLANDO, Fla. – Despite efforts on Capitol Hill to reopen the federal government, stress on airports nationwide continues to mount. On Tuesday, flight reductions increased to 6%, with projections of reaching 10% on Friday if the shutdown persists. That’s up from 4% last week.
The FAA last week ordered 40 major airports, including Orlando International Airport (MCO), to reduce flight operations amid a growing shortage of air traffic controllers affected by the shutdown. As a result, Orlando has seen many delays and cancellations.
According to FlightAware, MCO reported more than 70 flight delays and over 40 cancellations on Tuesday alone.
For many travelers, the disruptions have turned vacations and business trips into stressful ordeals.
Minnesota traveler Kevin Korich said his family’s return from a Disney World vacation has been “irritating and stressful.”
“We were supposed to leave Sunday at 6:30, and then on the way here, everything got canceled,” Korich said. “So then we had to find a hotel and food for the last two days. It kind of ruins your vacation — you really just want to get home.”
Korich said he was thankful his family managed to find a hotel since many were fully booked.
Thomas Naylor from Pennsylvania shared a similar experience after his flight was canceled Tuesday afternoon.
“We just came back from (the cruise ship) Carnival Mardi Gras, and I think 30 people at our hotel ended up staying an extra couple of days because their flights were canceled,” Naylor said.
He added that he had to call his boss to explain the situation and book another night at a hotel while rebooking his flight.
American Airlines said in a statement that, “Per FAA requirement, (the airline has) reduced flight schedules by six percent at 40 airports for Tuesday, amounting to about 200 flights canceled nationwide.”
Delta Air Lines reported a similar number of cancellations.
Photographer Sara McDaniel said her New York-based team was also impacted after their flights were canceled.
“So half my team had to drive down. It was a 20-hour drive. I am very thankful for them,” McDaniel said.
But for some travelers, driving simply wasn’t an option. Korich said when his family tried to rent a car, “All the rental cars were booked up.”
After spending several days stranded in Orlando, Korich said he’s hopeful they’ll finally make it home Tuesday.
“It just sucks for everyone,” he said. “It’s all political stuff that gets trickled down to us that we have to deal with — it’s just kind of ridiculous.”
MCO officials continue to advise passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and, if their flight is still scheduled, to arrive at least three hours early.
Breaking News Alerts
Get breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox.
Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.