The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a 10% reduction in flights at 40 of the busiest US airports, leading to thousands of daily cancellations, as the government shutdown becomes the longest in US history and air traffic controllers work without pay. This unprecedented move aims to mitigate safety risks arising from staffing shortages and controller fatigue.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford made the announcement on Thursday, stressing that the decision is based on operational data and is necessary to alleviate building risk in the aviation system. Duffy stated, ‘Our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics – it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay.’ The phased approach begins with a 4% cut on Friday, November 7, ramping up to 6% by Tuesday, November 11, 8% by Thursday, November 13, and the full 10% by Friday, November 14, if the shutdown continues.
The flight reductions target domestic operations only, with international flights exempted from the order. Major airports affected include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Chicago O’Hare International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Los Angeles International, and all three New York City airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. The cancellations could impact between 3,500 and 4,000 flights per day, according to estimates, disrupting travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers.
Airlines are scrambling to comply with the FAA order, with carriers like American Airlines canceling about 220 flights daily from Friday through Monday, representing 4% of its schedule at the affected airports. Southwest Airlines has proactively canceled 120 flights on Friday, while Delta Air Lines expects the vast majority of its flights to operate as scheduled. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby noted that cuts would focus on regional flights and non-hub travel, preserving long-haul international and hub-to-hub services.
In response, airlines are waiving change and cancellation fees, offering refunds, and advising passengers to check their flight status frequently. Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle even suggested that travelers with urgent plans consider buying backup tickets on other carriers. Travel experts recommend using airline apps to track inbound flights, avoiding checked luggage to prevent baggage delays, and packing essentials in case of extended disruptions.
The staffing crisis has worsened significantly in recent days, with air traffic controllers reporting extreme stress and financial hardship. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, revealed that controllers are texting about not having money for gas to get to work. Many are taking on second jobs, such as food delivery, to cover expenses, raising concerns about their ability to maintain focus during critical operations.
The government shutdown, which began on October 1, has left 1.4 million federal workers without pay, including essential personnel like air traffic controllers. This shutdown has now surpassed previous records, becoming the longest in US history, and its effects are rippling across various sectors, from national parks to aviation. The flight cuts are a stark reminder of the shutdown’s impact on public safety and everyday life.
As the political standoff continues in Washington, the FAA’s measures highlight the urgent need for a resolution to restore full operations and ensure the safety of the air travel system. The situation underscores the broader implications of prolonged government dysfunction, with potential economic and social costs mounting each day the shutdown persists.