FAA Cuts Flights at 40 Major Airports Amid Shutdown, Warns of Widespread Delays

The Federal Aviation Administration is slashing flights across the United States. The agency announced a 10% reduction in air traffic starting Thursday, November 6. The cuts affect 40 major airports nationwide. This drastic measure is due to critical staffing shortages caused by an ongoing government shutdown.

 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the news on Wednesday. He stated the move will inevitably lead to more flight cancellations. Officials plan to work with airlines to manage the reductions systematically. Travelers are being urged to expect significant disruptions.

Full List of Impacted Airports Reveals Nationwide Disruption

The list of affected airports spans from coast to coast. Major hubs like Los Angeles International (LAX) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) are included. Other key airports facing cuts are Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).

The FAA’s decision directly impacts some of the nation’s busiest travel corridors. Airports in New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco are all on the list. This ensures that delays and cancellations will ripple through the entire national air system. No region of the country will be spared from the operational slowdown.

Travel Chaos Expected as Airlines Scramble to Adjust Schedules

The immediate impact is already being felt. According to flight tracking data, thousands of flights were experiencing delays on Thursday. Hundreds of cancellations were reported globally, with dozens specifically affecting U.S. routes. The situation is predicted to worsen as the shutdown continues.

Airlines now face the complex task of rescheduling and informing passengers. The reduction is not a blanket percentage at each airport. Instead, the FAA is strategically reducing traffic at specific facilities based on staffing levels. This could lead to unpredictable bottlenecks and last-minute gate changes.

The FAA flight reductions represent one of the most severe tangible impacts of the government shutdown on daily American life. Travelers must prepare for a period of sustained uncertainty and inconvenience across the national airspace system.

Info at your fingertips

Which major airports are most affected by the FAA cuts?

The cuts are widespread. Major hubs like Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Denver are all on the list. Virtually every major metropolitan area will see reduced flight availability and potential delays.

Why is the FAA reducing flights right now?

The reductions are a direct result of the federal government shutdown. Critical air traffic control and safety personnel are not being paid or are furloughed. The FAA is cutting flights to match its reduced staffing capacity and maintain safety margins.

How long will these flight reductions last?

The duration is directly tied to the government shutdown. The FAA has stated the 10% reduction will begin on November 6 and will remain in effect until the shutdown is resolved and full staffing can be restored. There is currently no announced end date.

What should I do if I have a flight booked?

Contact your airline directly for the most current information on your specific flight. Airlines are managing cancellations and rebookings. Allow extra time at the airport and monitor your flight status closely up until departure.

Are all flights from the listed airports cancelled?

No. The FAA mandated a 10% overall reduction in traffic at these locations. Airlines will decide which specific flights to cancel to meet this target. Not every flight will be affected, but widespread disruptions are certain.

Is it safe to fly during this time?

The FAA states that safety remains its top priority. The flight reductions are specifically being implemented to ensure that the volume of air traffic does not exceed the capacity of the available, albeit reduced, safety oversight staff.