The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a historic reduction in flights as part of a nationwide effort to mitigate operational challenges during the ongoing government shutdown, which is now at a record length.
The cuts will affect 40 major airports spanning over two dozen states, including key hubs such as Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Charlotte. As the shutdown continues without resolution, many airports will feel the impact, particularly in metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago, which have multiple airports being affected.
Airlines have been scrambling to reorganize their flight schedules, canceling over 780 flights nationwide, as travelers express their concerns about plans for the upcoming weekend and holiday season. Delta Air Lines has communicated plans to cancel roughly 170 flights on Friday, while American Airlines has indicated a planned reduction of around 220 flights per day through Monday.
The FAA's directive stipulates that reductions will commence at 4% of scheduled flights and could increase to 10% by November 14. These cutbacks will take effect daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., impacting all commercial airlines.
While the FAA stated that these actions are necessary to alleviate the mounting pressure on air traffic controllers—many of whom have been working unpaid for over a month—there are overworked and calling out sick due to financial strain and exhaustion. Kelly Matthews, a frequent traveler, expressed frustrations about the current situation, noting the inability of workers to continue without pay.
The agency's order follows increasing pressure on the Trump administration to negotiate an end to the shutdown, with airlines attempting to mitigate the impact on customers. Companies will primarily focus on slashing routes to smaller cities while ensuring refunds for canceled flights. However, the Department of Transportation clarified that airlines are not mandated to cover additional expenses such as accommodation or meals unless the cancellation stems from issues within the airline's control.
Industry experts predict that the flight reductions could significantly impact air transportation across the United States. Furthermore, delays could also slow package deliveries, as two of the affected airports are significant hubs for FedEx and UPS operations.
This unprecedented flight cut has travelers reeling as they brace for chaotic conditions as they prepare for upcoming holiday travels. As the situation continues to unfold, many questions remain about travel prospects during this ongoing deadlock in the government.
