FAA scales back flights at 40 airports. See the impact in photos

Air travel across the United States faced significant disruption Friday as the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to scale back flights at 40 major airports due to the ongoing government shutdown. Major transportation hubs in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago were among those affected as carriers complied with the federal directive.

The flight reductions represent one of the most visible impacts of the government shutdown on everyday Americans, with thousands of travelers experiencing delays, cancellations, and uncertainty about their travel plans. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the nation’s busiest air terminal, passengers faced longer than usual wait times as airlines adjusted their schedules.

“We’re implementing a systematic approach to ensure continued safe operations with reduced staffing levels,” said an FAA spokesperson who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. “These measures are necessary to maintain safety standards during the funding lapse.”

Major carriers including American Airlines, Delta, and United have begun notifying passengers about potential disruptions. Industry experts estimate the flight reductions could affect up to 15% of daily domestic air traffic, creating a cascade of logistical challenges across the national aviation network.

At Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, lines at TSA checkpoints stretched through terminals as travelers arrived early, concerned about potential delays. Electronic boards displayed numerous schedule changes, with some flights showing delays of several hours.

“I’ve been checking my phone constantly since yesterday,” said Margaret Chen, a business traveler headed to San Francisco from Newark Liberty International Airport. “My company told us to prepare for disruptions, but it’s still frustrating not knowing if or when you’ll reach your destination.”

The shutdown’s impact on aviation comes at a particularly challenging time, as the industry was finally recovering from post-pandemic staffing shortages and operational difficulties. U.S. air travel had recently returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 2025 projected to be a record year for domestic air traffic.

Aviation industry groups have expressed concern about the broader economic consequences. The Air Line Pilots Association issued a statement warning that prolonged flight reductions could cost the U.S. economy millions of dollars daily in lost productivity and commerce.

“When the aviation system experiences disruption of this magnitude, the effects ripple throughout the entire economy,” said transportation analyst Richard Aboulafia. “From missed business meetings to cargo delays, the costs extend far beyond inconvenienced travelers.”

Airport officials are advising passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport and to arrive with additional time to navigate potential congestion. Many carriers have implemented flexible rebooking policies during the disruption period.

The FAA continues to prioritize safety-critical positions during the shutdown, but with reduced administrative and support staff, the agency’s capacity to manage normal traffic volumes has been compromised. Air traffic controllers are working without pay, adding another layer of stress to an already demanding profession.

Some international flights have been prioritized due to their economic importance and the complexity of rescheduling long-haul routes. However, domestic connections to smaller markets are seeing the most significant cuts, potentially isolating communities that depend on air service for economic vitality.

Transportation Secretary has called for an immediate resolution to the shutdown, stating that while contingency plans are in place, they cannot indefinitely sustain the world’s most complex airspace system without proper funding and staffing.

As the shutdown continues with no clear resolution in sight, the aviation system faces increasing pressure, with each day bringing new challenges for travelers, airlines, and the thousands of federal employees working to maintain safe operations despite the uncertainty of when they will receive their next paycheck.