US Government Shutdown Forces 10% Flight Reductions at 40 Major Airports: Impact and Safety Measures

The ongoing US government shutdown, now the longest in the nation's history, has triggered an unprecedented order from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandating a gradual reduction of flights by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports nationwide. This directive, announced in early November 2025, addresses the critical shortage and fatigue among air traffic controllers and other essential FAA staff working without pay, placing a strain on the safety and management of the national airspace system.

Starting Friday, November 7, airlines are required to cut 4% of their daily scheduled domestic flights at these high-impact airports. This reduction will escalate incrementally—rising to 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and reaching the full 10% cut on November 14 and thereafter. This phased approach allows airlines to adjust their schedules while maintaining essential connectivity. Notably, these cuts affect both passenger and cargo flights, with international flights largely exempt to avoid disruption of cross-border travel.

The 40 affected airports are among the busiest in the US, covering major hubs such as Atlanta, New York City (all three airports), Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C., among others. This wide geographic spread means that a significant portion of domestic air traffic faces potential cancellation or rescheduling, impacting millions of travellers, especially during the busy holiday season.​

The FAA's decision stems from serious safety concerns as over 13,000 air traffic controllers and approximately 50,000 TSA agents have been working under strenuous conditions without pay since the shutdown began on October 1, 2025. Many controllers face fatigue from mandatory overtime and six-day workweeks, compounded by financial stress prompting some to call in sick or seek other work temporarily. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasised that such measures are necessary to maintain safe operations in the National Airspace System amidst escalating risks. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy assured the public that these steps are proactive safety precautions rather than politically motivated, pledging continued safety throughout the reductions.

Airlines have been forced to scramble to revise flight schedules and cancel flights preemptively to comply with the FAA order. Major carriers like American Airlines and Delta have announced hundreds of daily cancellations—American cutting roughly 220 flights and Delta about 170 on the initial days of reductions. Many airlines are waiving change and refund fees for affected passengers, including holders of non-refundable tickets, signalling efforts to ease customer inconvenience during this disruption. Airlines are prioritising cuts to regional or less full flights while maintaining long-haul and hub-to-hub connectivity wherever possible.​

Passengers planning to travel through US airports under this directive are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines for updates, as flight schedules are subject to sudden changes. Delays, cancellations, and rebooking challenges are expected to increase, especially as the situation remains fluid depending on the course of government negotiations on funding. The FAA has indicated that even if the shutdown concludes soon, it may take days to weeks to restore normal staffing and resume full flight operations.

This unprecedented federally mandated flight reduction marks a significant disruption in US aviation history, highlighting the direct impact of political stalemates on critical infrastructure and travel safety. The government shutdown's ripple effects are felt across the aviation sector, passengers, and the broader economy, underscoring the urgency for resolution. Until then, airlines and the FAA continue working in tandem to balance operational safety with the convenience of travellers amidst these challenging circumstances.​

In summary, travellers across the United States must prepare for the possibility of flight cancellations and delays as the FAA enforces a phased 10% flight reduction across 40 major airports starting November 7, 2025. Safety concerns from a beleaguered air traffic workforce driving this mandate mean that while flying remains safe, significant scheduling disruptions are inevitable during the ongoing government shutdown.