FAA Reduces Flights at 40 Major Airports Amid 2025 Government Shutdown
As the US government shutdown of 2025 reaches its sixth week on November 7, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun cutting flights at 40 key airports across the nation. These reductions aim to address air traffic controller shortages and combat fatigue due to mandatory unpaid overtime.
Impact on Air Traffic and Passengers
Flight operations have been reduced by 4% starting November 7, increasing to a 10% cut by November 14 during peak morning hours. On the first day alone, over 790 flights were removed from schedules, leaving up to 268,000 travelers stranded daily. The disruptions have raised concerns about holiday travel delays and widespread airline cancellations throughout 2025.
Airports Affected
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Denver International (DEN)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
- New York’s airports: JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR)
- Houston airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Houston Hobby (HOU)
- Chicago airports: O’Hare (ORD), Midway (MDW)
- Washington airports: Reagan National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD)
Broader Consequences
The cuts stem from a staffing crisis where controllers are compelled to work six-day weeks without pay, leading to increased risks for aviation safety. The resulting economic ripple effects stretch from delayed package deliveries to disrupted business appointments nationwide.
"This aviation safety risks crisis, born of mandatory unpaid overtime for controllers working six days weekly, ripples through economic impacts shutdown, from stalled package deliveries to upended business meetings."
Airlines and Travelers Adjust to Changes
Airlines and passengers are bracing for prolonged turbulence in US air travel, as flight cancellations and schedule reductions persist through the shutdown.
Summary: The FAA’s mandatory flight reductions at 40 key US airports during the prolonged 2025 shutdown are causing widespread travel delays and economic disruptions, highlighting growing aviation staffing challenges.