What to know about 10% reduction in flights at US airports caused by the government shutdown

10% Flight Reductions at US Airports Due to Government Shutdown

An ongoing government shutdown has prompted a 10% reduction in flights at major U.S. airports, as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) efforts to ease strain on air traffic controllers working without pay.

Airports Affected

Starting Friday, 40 airports nationwide are experiencing cuts in flight operations. These include major hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Miami, and Newark, covering more than two dozen states.

Reasons for the Flight Cuts

Impacts on Travelers

Hundreds of flights have been canceled or delayed as the reductions are phased in. Airlines and authorities advise passengers to verify flight statuses before traveling to the airport.

Airports in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago along with hubs across the U.S. are among the 40 that will see flights cut starting Friday due to the government shutdown.
The FAA is imposing the reductions to take pressure off air traffic controllers, who are federal employees and have been working without pay during the shutdown.

Additional Information

Passengers affected by delays or cancellations can find useful tips and guidance on managing their travel disruptions. A full list of impacted airports and further details are available through official FAA sources.

Author's summary: The FAA's mandated 10% flight reduction at 40 major U.S. airports aims to reduce workload on unpaid air traffic controllers during the government shutdown, resulting in significant delays and cancellations.

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AP News AP News — 2025-11-07

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