The FAA has begun cutting flights by up to 10 percent at 40 major U.S. airports as the federal shutdown stretches into its fifth week, with more than 900 flights already canceled and a 20 percent reduction possible if the stalemate continues.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun implementing flight-capacity reductions at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, including major hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta, as the government shutdown enters its fifth week and continues to strain the nation’s aviation system.
Officials confirmed that the agency has started a phased 10 percent reduction in domestic flight operations following reports of widespread staffing shortages among air-traffic controllers and aviation-safety personnel. The move is described as a temporary safety measure to manage fatigue and prevent operational risks.
Implementation begins nationwide
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the decision followed growing signs of stress across control centers, where absenteeism has risen to 20 to 40 percent in some facilities. The FAA has now ordered airlines to reduce scheduled flights during peak travel hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., while international and emergency flights remain unaffected.
The first phase began on Friday, November 7, with an estimated 4 percent reduction in scheduled flights. By Saturday, airlines had canceled more than 900 flights nationwide, according to data verified by the Associated Press and ABC News. Officials warned that if the shutdown persists, capacity limits could rise to 20 percent in the coming weeks to preserve system safety.
“We are acting to maintain the integrity of the airspace,” Bedford said in a briefing. “Safety comes first, and we will not compromise that principle even under fiscal constraints.”
Major hubs feeling the squeeze
The reduction applies to the country’s busiest corridors, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas–Fort Worth, Denver, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle–Tacoma, as well as the New York–New Jersey metroplex, encompassing John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR) airports.
Regional airports such as San Diego (SAN), Oakland (OAK), and Ontario (ONT) have also been directed to adjust schedules to ease pressure on controllers. Industry analysts estimate that the 10 percent ceiling could translate into 1,500 to 1,800 fewer flights and roughly 250,000 passenger seats per day nationwide if fully enacted.
Travelers urged to adjust plans
Airlines are revising schedules and issuing fee-free rebooking waivers for affected passengers. Travelers are advised to check flight status before arriving at airports, arrive early for security screening, and expect possible ripple delays throughout the day. Morning departures are expected to experience fewer disruptions, while afternoon and evening flights could face heavier congestion.
Consumer groups caution that the effects may cascade across connecting flights. Passengers are encouraged to verify itinerary changes directly with their airline rather than third-party booking sites to avoid confusion.
Shutdown’s toll on aviation workers
The shutdown—now 36 days long, making it the longest in U.S. history—has forced more than 13,000 air-traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers to work without pay. Union leaders say fatigue, financial stress, and declining morale have increased safety concerns across the system.
“The system is safe but stretched,” said one senior FAA regional official quoted by Reuters. “By cutting volume, we preserve safety margins until funding is restored.”
A race to restore normal operations
Economists warn that reduced flight capacity may ripple through tourism, hospitality, and air-cargo sectors, particularly in travel-dependent states such as California, Florida, and Nevada. Hotel occupancy, convention bookings, and freight logistics are all expected to feel near-term effects if the restrictions continue through the holiday season.
The FAA emphasized that the capacity limits are temporary and will be lifted once Congress approves a new budget. However, officials said the agency is prepared to expand cuts beyond 10 percent, to as much as 20 percent of daily flights, if staffing shortages worsen.
Negotiations over the fiscal 2026 budget remain deadlocked on Capitol Hill, but lawmakers from both parties have indicated that transportation funding will be among the first priorities once an agreement is reached.
Until then, the nation’s aviation network, the busiest and most complex in the world—will continue operating under reduced volume, balancing safety with the challenge of keeping Americans moving during the shutdown.
