Southwest Flight Cancellations Begin Nov. 7: FAA Orders Airlines to Cut Schedules at 40 Airports

Southwest flight cancellations begin Friday, Nov. 7, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders airlines to reduce domestic schedules at 40 major U.S. airports due to safety and staffing concerns during the government shutdown.

The directive affects major carriers including Southwest, United, Delta, and American Airlines, with each announcing its own cancellation and refund policies. The FAA says the move is temporary but essential to maintain safety while air traffic controllers and TSA workers operate without pay.

FAA Order Triggers Nationwide Flight Reductions

The FAA’s emergency order, effective Nov. 7, requires all commercial airlines to scale back operations between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time at key airports such as Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and Denver. The cuts start at 4% and could increase to 10% by Nov. 14 if staffing levels remain unstable.

Officials say the step is necessary to prevent midair and runway congestion caused by reduced staffing in air traffic control centers. The Department of Transportation confirmed the directive applies primarily to domestic routes, while international flights will continue largely unaffected.

According to Reuters, the FAA’s statement read, “These temporary reductions are intended to keep the national airspace system operating safely amid the ongoing government shutdown.”

How Southwest Airlines Is Handling the Flight Cancellations

Southwest confirmed it will comply with the FAA’s order and start canceling flights Friday morning. The carrier will automatically rebook travelers whenever possible and notify affected customers by text, email, or through the Southwest app. Passengers may also opt for a full refund if their flight is canceled.

“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our Customers and Employees,” the airline said in a statement. “We know that these FAA-imposed cancellations could impact an important moment in your life.”

Customers are advised to visit the Southwest website or app before heading to the airport for the latest status updates. The airline emphasized that it will prioritize restoring normal service as soon as the FAA lifts the order.

How Other Airlines Are Responding

United Airlines: United said it will cancel roughly 20 round-trip flights a day from Houston, mainly affecting regional and short-haul routes. Long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights between Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Houston, and Washington Dulles will remain on schedule. Refunds are available to all passengers, even for Basic Economy fares.

Delta Air Lines: Delta expects to operate most flights as scheduled and is offering travelers flexibility to change, cancel, or request refunds without penalty. The airline is focusing on maintaining international service while adjusting short domestic routes as required by the FAA.

American Airlines: American is still reviewing the full list of affected routes but anticipates limited disruptions. Most flights on Thursday, Nov. 6, are operating normally. Impacted travelers will receive proactive notifications via email and app alerts.

Frontier Airlines: Frontier said its schedule adjustments will be minimal but that passengers experiencing delays or cancellations can rebook or request refunds through its mobile app or website.

What Passengers Should Expect

Travelers across the country are urged to check flight status frequently, especially for domestic departures on or after Nov. 7. TSA and airport officials warn of longer security wait times due to reduced staffing. Airlines have issued broad refund and flexible change policies during the FAA’s order period.

Experts note that while the reductions are short-term, ripple effects could last several days as airlines readjust schedules and reposition aircraft. Those flying through major hubs such as Dallas Love Field, Chicago Midway, and Denver International should allow extra time for check-in and rebooking.

In short, the Southwest flight cancellations are part of an unprecedented FAA directive aimed at preserving safety while federal aviation operations run with limited personnel. The situation remains fluid, but travelers are being given flexibility and advance notice to minimize disruption.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is Southwest canceling flights on Nov. 7?

The FAA ordered all major airlines to cut flight schedules due to air traffic control staffing shortages during the ongoing government shutdown.

Q2: How will Southwest notify passengers of cancellations?

Southwest will send updates by text, email, and through the airline’s app. Most passengers will be automatically rebooked on another flight.

Q3: Are refunds available for canceled flights?

Yes. Southwest and other airlines are offering full refunds for all canceled flights, including non-refundable and Basic Economy fares.

Q4: Are international flights affected by the FAA order?

No. The directive mainly applies to domestic flights between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. at 40 major U.S. airports. International routes will mostly continue as planned.

Q5: How long will the flight reductions last?

The FAA order begins Nov. 7 and may expand to a 10% reduction by Nov. 14 if staffing levels don’t improve. It will remain in effect until lifted by the FAA.