FAA to Cut Flights by 10% Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Thu Nov 06 2025 18:48:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the government shutdown extends into its second month, the FAA is set to announce a reduction of flights in 40 major markets by 10%, potentially causing widespread cancellations and significant disruptions for travelers across the U.S.

Travelers using some of the busiest U.S. airports are preparing for a wave of flight cancellations due to the ongoing government shutdown. The FAA will announce a 10% reduction in flights across 40 high-volume markets, potentially affecting around 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats. With air traffic controllers working unpaid, concerns about staffing and safety have prompted these measures, which could lead to significant operational disruptions in the air travel system.

Travelers through some of the busiest U.S. airports can expect to learn Thursday whether they’ll see fewer flights as the government shutdown drags into a second month.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will announce the 40 'high-volume markets' where it is reducing flights by 10%, agency administrator Bryan Bedford said. This measure aims to ensure airspace safety during the shutdown.

Experts predict hundreds, if not thousands, of flights could be canceled. The aviation analytics firm Cirium estimates the cuts could amount to as many as 1,800 flights and over 268,000 combined seats.

“In my 35 years in the aviation market, I’ve never encountered a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bedford stated. “We're entering uncharted territory with government shutdowns.”

Amid ongoing staffing shortages, flight delays have become increasingly common across various airports nationwide. Traveling passengers should be aware of their rights regarding flight cancellations.

What to do if your flight is disrupted:

If your flight is canceled: Airlines are obligated to rebook you on a later flight at no extra cost. Requesting a booking on another airline may also be possible, although not mandatory for the airline.
Refund policies: If your flight is canceled, airlines must refund your ticket even if it's non-refundable, should you opt not to continue your travel.
Compensation: U.S. airlines aren’t obliged to provide additional compensation or cover lodging and meals for stranded passengers, regardless of the cancellation's cause.

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown commenced on October 1. Many put in mandatory overtime six days a week, leaving little time for secondary income sources unless they take leave.

Mounting pressures are forcing the FAA to take decisive action, as Bedford noted in a recent news conference. Even if the shutdown resolves before Friday, the FAA won’t revert to standard operations until staffing stabilizes.

Major airlines and airline unions are urging Congress to end the shutdown, now the longest on record as of Wednesday. The travel sector is facing unprecedented strain, with U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman expressing concerns about operational disruptions damaging travelers' confidence in air travel.

There are fears of chaos in the air traffic system if controllers miss their second consecutive paycheck next week due to the prolonged shutdown, as outlined by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.