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

What to Know About 10% Reduction in Flights at US Airports Caused by the Government Shutdown

Airports across the United States are experiencing reduced air traffic due to a phased 10% cut in flights resulting from the ongoing government shutdown. Major airports in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are among the 40 hubs affected nationwide.

Reason for the Reduction

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced the flight cuts to relieve stress on air traffic controllers, who are federal workers currently serving without pay during the shutdown.

Impact on Travelers

Hundreds of flights scheduled for Friday were canceled as part of this plan. The reduction has also caused longer delays across several airports. Travel experts recommend that passengers:

Check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Stay informed about airline updates and rebooking options.

Affected Airports

The FAA’s list of airports spans more than two dozen states and includes Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, and Newark, among others, according to an order released Thursday evening.

“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.”

Passengers at airports such as Philadelphia International have faced long lines and delays at TSA checkpoints amid the disruptions.

Traveler Resources

Guidance for passengers experiencing delays or cancellations due to the shutdown can be found through official FAA and airline communication channels.

Author’s summary: The FAA’s 10% flight reduction aims to ease pressure on unpaid controllers during the U.S. government shutdown, but it has led to significant travel delays nationwide.

AP News — 2025-11-07