FAA to Cut Air Traffic by 10% Amid Government Shutdown

Thu Nov 06 2025 03:24:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Federal Aviation Administration announces a significant reduction in air traffic to counteract staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown. Affected flights and markets will be announced following consultations with airline companies.

In response to the ongoing government shutdown starting October 1, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 high-volume markets. This decision, which will affect thousands of flights across the United States, is prompted by severe staffing shortages among air traffic controllers who have been working without pay, contributing to numerous delays. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating that continued pressures may prompt further actions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday that it will implement a 10% air traffic reduction in 40 designated high-volume markets beginning Friday morning. This move aims to maintain passenger safety during the ongoing government shutdown.

This reduction is expected to have widespread implications, affecting thousands of flights nationwide.

Due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working without pay since the shutdown commenced, the FAA has faced increasing pressures, with some controllers calling in sick. This has already led to numerous flight delays across various airports, as the FAA is forced to slow or halt traffic when controller numbers dwindle.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated, We cannot wait for a crisis to take action, highlighting the urgent need for these changes as staffing levels continue to worsen.

Bedford, along with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is set to meet with airline executives later in the day to strategize on how to effectively implement these flight reductions.

Early indicators suggest immediate action can prevent the situation from worsening, Bedford noted.

Details regarding the specific markets affected by these reductions will be shared on Thursday following consultations with the airlines involved.

If conditions do not improve after these initial measures, Bedford warned that further steps may be necessary. There have already been incidents of substantial delays at various airports, particularly seen last weekend when Newark Liberty International Airport experienced several hours of interruptions.

Major airlines and aviation unions have been advocating for Congress to end the government shutdown. The shutdown has caused significant disruptions in the aviation system, with aviation analytics firm Cirium reporting a noticeable slowdown in flight data, marking the largest impact since the shutdown started.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association indicates that most controllers have been working extensive hours, often with mandatory overtime, which limits their ability to take on additional jobs. Without timely compensation, these employees are facing increasing financial strain.