Shutdown Update: Thousands of Flights to be Slashed, Slowing Air Travel
It is now day 37 of the federal government shutdown, entering its sixth week and bringing troubling news for travelers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to reduce national flight capacity by 10%, resulting in widespread delays and cancellations across major airports.
This decision aims to manage reduced staffing levels within the FAA caused by the ongoing government shutdown. For current passengers, the timing could not be worse—with Thanksgiving only three weeks away, millions may struggle to reach their families for the holiday.
Democrats in Congress continue to withhold their approval of a clean continuing resolution to fund the government at spending levels they previously supported multiple times this year. Disrupted air travel now adds to the list of difficulties facing Americans as political gridlock drags on.
Statement from Transportation Officials
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy stated that the FAA will proactively reduce air traffic by 10% in forty high-volume markets across the United States, impacting around 4,000 flights.
“Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible.” — FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford
According to the FAA, the cuts are directed at easing the workload for air traffic controllers who continue to operate without pay due to the shutdown. Flight eliminations are expected to begin as early as Friday, November 7, 2025.
Summary
The prolonged shutdown has forced the FAA to cut 10% of flights to maintain safety, leaving travelers facing delays and uncertainty ahead of the holiday season.