Government Shutdown Threatens 40 U.S. Airports as FAA Plans 10% Flight Cuts Starting Friday

The U.S. government shutdown is set to cause major air travel disruptions, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announcing that flight capacity will be reduced by 10% at 40 major airports starting Friday morning if the shutdown continues. The measure, he said, is aimed at maintaining safety amid severe staffing pressures faced by air traffic controllers who have been working without pay for a month.

The warning came during a joint briefing with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Bryan Bedford on Wednesday, who confirmed that controller fatigue and staffing shortages are forcing the agency to take unprecedented safety precautions. The shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has left thousands of essential federal employees working without pay, putting critical infrastructure under stress.

FAA Confirms 10% Cut in Air Travel Capacity Amid Shutdown Pressure

According to FAA chief Bryan Bedford, the 10% cut will affect approximately 3,500 to 4,000 flights per day across 40 major airports in the United States. The list of affected airports—expected to include some of the busiest hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, and New York—will be released Thursday. Bedford said the agency could not guarantee normal operations if the shutdown continues much longer.

“We are seeing pressures build in a way that, if unchecked, would make it difficult to assure the public that we operate the safest airline system in the world,” Bedford said. He added that air travel remains safe for now, but reducing flight capacity is necessary to prevent errors caused by fatigue among unpaid air traffic controllers.

Many controllers have reportedly taken second jobs driving for ride-share services or delivering food to make ends meet. Others have called in sick, leading to longer delays and cancellations at major airports. Duffy acknowledged that the situation has become unsustainable. “They have to decide whether to go to work without pay or take side jobs to feed their families,” he said in a recent ABC interview.

The Department of Transportation said the move is designed to maintain operational safety and efficiency until Congress resolves the funding deadlock. If the shutdown extends further, additional restrictions could be introduced, potentially grounding even more flights.

Impact on Travelers and Broader Economic Concerns

The upcoming flight cuts could ripple across the nation’s air travel network, affecting both domestic and international passengers. Major airlines are preparing contingency plans, while travelers may face significant delays, cancellations, and limited rebooking options. Travel experts warn that the reductions could create bottlenecks at connecting airports and reduce available flights ahead of the holiday season.

Economists also warn that prolonged disruptions in air travel could have serious financial consequences, impacting tourism, business travel, and regional economies dependent on steady passenger traffic. With approximately 2.9 million people flying daily in the U.S., even a 10% reduction could strand hundreds of thousands of travelers.

The shutdown, which began on October 1 when government funding lapsed, has already forced many federal workers to stay home without pay. Those classified as “essential,” such as air traffic controllers and TSA officers, continue to work unpaid—a growing source of tension and fatigue that threatens public safety.

Transportation Secretary Duffy reiterated that while air travel remains safe, continued inaction in Washington could deepen the crisis. “This isn’t just about flights—it’s about safety, trust, and the wellbeing of our federal workforce,” he said.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is the FAA cutting flights at U.S. airports?

The FAA is reducing flights by 10% to address air traffic controller fatigue and safety risks caused by the ongoing government shutdown.

Q2: When will the flight reductions begin?

The reductions are expected to start Friday morning if the government shutdown continues past Thursday night.

Q3: How many flights could be canceled per day?

Officials estimate that between 3,500 and 4,000 flights could be affected daily across 40 major U.S. airports.

Q4: Are air traffic controllers getting paid during the shutdown?

No. Controllers are considered essential workers, so they must continue working without pay until the government reopens.

Q5: Will more flight cuts happen if the shutdown continues?

Yes. The FAA warned that more restrictive measures could follow if funding isn’t restored soon.