United Airlines Canceled Flights: Hundreds Affected Nationwide Amid FAA Cuts and Shutdown Chaos

United Airlines has released a list of hundreds of canceled and reduced flights for the weekend, with Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway among the hardest hit. The cancellations, which began Friday, November 7, are part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s emergency directive to reduce air traffic amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

According to United’s latest update, over 100 flights in and out of Chicago have already been canceled as of Friday, with additional disruptions expected through Sunday. The move comes as federal staffing shortages intensify, leaving many air traffic controllers and TSA agents unpaid and overworked.

United Airlines Confirms Major Schedule Reductions

In a statement on its website, United Airlines confirmed that flight reductions will run through the weekend, affecting both regional and domestic mainline routes. The carrier said international long-haul flights and hub-to-hub routes will remain operational to avoid disruption to global connections.

“The FAA’s goal is to relieve pressure on the aviation system so that every airline can continue to operate safely,” United said. “No matter what environment we’re operating in, we won’t compromise on safety.”

CEO Scott Kirby added that the company would make rolling updates to its schedule and notify passengers via app alerts, email, and text messages. “We want to provide our customers with as much information as possible in a simple and easy-to-understand way,” he stated.

Between Friday and Sunday, United’s data shows more than 100 flights have been canceled daily, including 34 O’Hare flights on Friday, 38 on Saturday, and 42 on Sunday. The airline has also announced that all passengers — including those with non-refundable or Basic Economy tickets — are eligible for refunds during this period.

FAA Cuts Affecting 40 Major U.S. Airports

The FAA confirmed that flight cuts are being implemented across 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, including major hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), New York’s JFK and LaGuardia (LGA), Miami (MIA), and Chicago’s O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW).

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned earlier this week that the aviation system was at “a breaking point” if Congress failed to end the shutdown. Air traffic controllers and TSA agents have been working unpaid since October 1, many pulling six-day workweeks and double shifts. Some have begun calling out due to financial strain, causing further staffing gaps and flight delays.

Friday alone saw more than 3,500 flights canceled nationwide, a figure expected to grow as the shutdown continues into its 38th day — the longest in U.S. history.

Travelers Advised to Check Flight Status Frequently

United Airlines urged all passengers traveling this weekend to check their flight status regularly via the airline’s app or website. Officials warned that even non-canceled flights could experience delays due to ripple effects from reduced air traffic capacity.

“We understand how frustrating this is,” United said in its update. “We’re doing everything possible to minimize disruption and get travelers where they need to go safely.”

As of now, United Airlines’ long-haul operations remain stable, but travelers in and out of high-traffic airports like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles should expect continued disruptions if the shutdown persists into next week.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How many United Airlines flights are canceled this weekend?

Over 100 United Airlines flights are canceled each day from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Q2: Are Chicago airports most affected?

Yes. O’Hare and Midway are among the hardest hit, with more than 100 total cancellations over the weekend.

Q3: Why is the FAA cutting flights?

The FAA is reducing air traffic to ease pressure on controllers who have been working unpaid during the prolonged government shutdown.

Q4: Can United passengers get refunds?

Yes. United confirmed that all passengers, including those with non-refundable or Basic Economy tickets, are eligible for refunds during this disruption period.

Q5: Are international United flights affected?

No. United said its long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights will not be impacted by the FAA cuts.