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U.S. Airlines Cancel Hundreds of Flights as FAA Orders Traffic Reductions During Shutdown
U.S. airlines began canceling hundreds of flights Thursday following a Federal Aviation Administration order to reduce traffic at the nation’s busiest airports, creating widespread disruptions as the government shutdown enters its second month.
More than 760 Friday flights were already cut from airline schedules according to FlightAware, a number that has quadrupled from Thursday’s cancellations and is expected to climb further. The FAA’s order affects 40 airports across more than two dozen states, including major hubs in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and Charlotte, North Carolina.
“This is going to have a noticeable impact across the U.S. air transportation system,” said industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.
The reductions will start at 4% on Friday and gradually increase to 10% by November 14, according to the FAA’s order published Thursday evening. The cuts will be implemented daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time, affecting all commercial airlines operating at these airports.
American Airlines announced it has reduced its schedule at the affected airports by 4% from Friday through Monday, resulting in approximately 220 cancellations each day. The carrier noted its international flights are expected to remain unaffected.
The restrictions also apply to smaller carriers that operate scheduled charter flights, though international flights are exempt from the reductions. Many airlines indicated they would focus their cuts on routes to and from small and medium-sized cities, potentially leaving travelers in those markets with fewer options.
The FAA’s decision stems from increasing strain on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the government shutdown began on October 1. Controllers, who typically work mandatory overtime six days a week, have been increasingly calling in sick, leaving little time to take on side jobs to help cover bills.
“With continued delays and unpredictable staffing shortages, which are driving fatigue, risk is further increasing, and the FAA is concerned with the system’s ability to maintain the current volume of operations,” the agency stated in its order.
The past weekend saw some of the worst staffing issues since the shutdown began. From Friday through Sunday evening, at least 39 air traffic control facilities reported potential staffing limitations, according to an AP analysis of operations plans shared through the Air Traffic Control System Command Center system—a figure well above average for pre-shutdown weekends.
For travelers, the disruptions come at an especially challenging time, just weeks before the busy holiday travel season. Many passengers are already changing plans or seeking alternatives. Fallon Carter canceled her Friday flight from New York to Tampa, Florida, concerned about whether she would make it back to Long Island in time to serve as a bridesmaid in her best friend’s wedding.
“I don’t know if I get there, will I get home?” Carter said.
Airlines said they will attempt to minimize impact on customers, though many travelers will see their weekend plans disrupted with little notice. Under Department of Transportation rules, airlines must issue full refunds for canceled flights but aren’t required to cover secondary costs like food and hotel accommodations unless a delay or cancellation results from factors within the airlines’ control.
The head of Frontier Airlines recommended that travelers purchase backup tickets with other carriers to avoid being stranded.
The ripple effects could extend beyond passenger travel. Two airports with major distribution centers—Memphis, Tennessee (FedEx) and Louisville, Kentucky (UPS)—are on the affected list, potentially disrupting package deliveries. The FAA also announced that commercial space launches will only be allowed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. starting Monday.
According to estimates from data firm Cirium, the cuts could affect as many as 1,800 flights daily, impacting approximately 268,000 passengers each day. Unlike weather-related cancellations, which are typically short-term disruptions, these shutdown-related reductions will continue indefinitely until safety data improves.
“The shutdown is putting unnecessary strain on the system and damaging confidence in the U.S. air travel experience,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
Kelly Matthews, a frequent flyer from Flat Rock, Michigan, said she has canceled most of her upcoming trips and understands why federal airport employees have stopped showing up for work.
“You can’t expect people to go in to work when they’re not getting a paycheck for the continuation of over a month now,” she said. “I mean it’s not a matter of them not wanting to do the job—but you can’t afford to pay for gas, your day care and everything else.”
The Trump administration has characterized the decision to reduce service at high-volume airports as a safety measure, though critics note it comes as pressure mounts on Democrats in Congress to end the shutdown.
For passengers facing disruptions, experts recommend contacting airlines directly for rebooking options and requesting refunds for canceled flights if alternative travel plans are no longer desired.
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10 Comments
This is a concerning development for the airline industry and air travelers. The government shutdown is clearly causing significant disruption to flight operations. I’m curious to see how airlines respond and how long these flight reductions will continue.
Yes, the ripple effects of the shutdown are really starting to hit home. The FAA’s order to cut flights is a drastic measure that will cause a lot of inconvenience for passengers.
The scale of these flight cancellations is quite alarming. I wonder if the government has considered the broader economic impact this could have, beyond just the inconvenience to travelers. The ripple effects on businesses and the overall economy could be substantial.
Good point. The airline industry is a critical part of the U.S. economy, so these disruptions will likely have far-reaching consequences. It’s another reminder of how the shutdown is damaging more than just federal workers.
This is a frustrating situation all around. The airlines are simply trying to comply with the FAA’s directives, but it’s the passengers who will ultimately pay the price. I hope the government and industry can find a way to minimize the disruptions as quickly as possible.
Agreed. The traveling public shouldn’t have to deal with the fallout from the government’s inability to resolve the shutdown. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone involved.
This is a clear example of how the ongoing political dysfunction in Washington is affecting ordinary Americans. The airline industry and air travelers should not have to bear the brunt of the government’s inability to resolve the shutdown.
Absolutely. The traveling public is the real victim here. Airlines are just doing their best to comply with the FAA’s orders, but it’s the consumers who will suffer the consequences.
It’s unfortunate to see the government shutdown having such a direct impact on aviation. Reducing flight capacity by 10% at major hubs will create a lot of headaches for travelers and airlines alike. I wonder if there are any contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions.
Agreed. The airlines will need to be nimble and creative to manage this situation. Hopefully they can find ways to minimize the impact on passengers as much as possible.