The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced early Friday that domestic commercial flights at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports will be reduced starting today, as the ongoing federal government shutdown puts mounting stress on air-traffic control staffing.
Under the phased order, airlines must cut about 4% of flights beginning at 6 a.m. ET Friday. The reduction will increase to 10% by next week if the shutdown continues—with daily restrictions in effect between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. at major hubs.
Affected airports include major travel centers such as John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport in the New York area, as well as airports in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Airlines are already notifying passengers of cancellations and delays. By early Friday morning, more than 800 flights had been cancelled and over 550 delayed nationwide as carriers scrambled to implement the FAA directive.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stressed that the move is a preventive safety measure. Because thousands of air-traffic controllers have been working without pay during the shutdown that began in early October, the agency says it must curb operations to maintain safety standards.
For travelers, the message is clear: Check your flight status, expect disruptions, and prepare for ripple-effects into the holiday travel period. Airlines say refunds or re-booking options will be available when flights are cancelled under the new restrictions.
As the shutdown continues, the FAA signaled that further cuts—or even temporary air-space restrictions—could follow if staffing shortages persist.
