Severe weather and potential air traffic control shortages have led to thousands of flight cancellations and delays across the United States, impacting major hubs like New York and Los Angeles. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered airlines to reduce flights by up to 10% due to staffing concerns if Congress fails to avert a government shutdown. Passengers are facing long queues and frustration at airports, with major carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest announcing flight reductions and contingency plans. The disruptions are expected to have ripple effects on global routes, with airlines adjusting schedules and warning of possible delays in connecting flights. Industry analysts warn of significant revenue losses for airlines as they navigate the challenges ahead.