U.S. airlines have begun canceling flights following an order from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce traffic at major airports due to the ongoing government shutdown. By Thursday afternoon, nearly 500 flights scheduled for Friday had already been canceled nationwide, with numbers continuing to rise, according to data from FlightAware.
The FAA directive applies to 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, including those in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The reduction is expected to impact travel at smaller airports as well. The agency is seeking a 10% reduction in service across high-volume markets as air traffic controllers face increased strain during the shutdown.
Airlines are set to implement these cuts gradually, starting with a 4% reduction on Friday and working up to 10%. “This is going to have a noticeable impact across the U.S. air transportation system,” said industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.
United Airlines spokesperson Josh Freed confirmed that United will cut 4% of its flights over the weekend based on FAA guidance. Other carriers are also adjusting their schedules but say they will try to minimize disruptions for travelers. United, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines have stated they will offer refunds even for non-refundable tickets if passengers choose not to fly.
Some airlines are focusing reductions on routes serving small and medium-sized cities. Travelers are responding by altering or canceling plans; Fallon Carter canceled her flight from New York to Tampa out of concern about being stranded away from home for a friend’s wedding. “I don’t know if I get there, will I get home?” Carter said.
The FAA is making these changes because air traffic controllers have been working without pay since October 1 and many have started calling out sick or taking mandatory overtime shifts six days per week. Recent weeks have seen delays when facilities were short-staffed.
The flight reductions come just before the busy holiday season and could disrupt not only passenger travel but also cargo shipments through key distribution hubs in Memphis and Louisville—locations used by FedEx and UPS.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium estimates that as many as 1,800 flights carrying upwards of 268,000 passengers per day could be affected if reductions continue at this scale.
Industry leaders say confidence in U.S. air travel is suffering as a result of the shutdown’s effects on staffing and scheduling reliability. “The shutdown is putting unnecessary strain on the system and damaging confidence in the U.S. air travel experience,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
Kelly Matthews of Flat Rock, Michigan shared her perspective after canceling most upcoming work trips: “You can’t expect people to go into work when they’re not getting a paycheck for the continuation of over a month now,” she said. “I mean, it’s not a matter of them not wanting to do the job — but you can’t afford to pay for gas, your day care and everything else.”
Last weekend saw some of the worst staffing shortages since the shutdown began; an AP analysis found that at least 39 air traffic control facilities reported potential staffing limits between Friday evening and Sunday night—a figure higher than average pre-shutdown weekends.
