FAA Announces Nationwide 10% Flight Cuts at Major Airports as Government Shutdown Enters Second Month

WASHINGTON D.C., November 6, 2025 — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a sweeping 10% reduction in flight operations at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, effective Friday, November 7, citing unprecedented staffing shortages amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford unveiled the decision in a press conference on November 5, warning that the prolonged shutdown — now in its 36th day and the longest in U.S. history — continues to severely deplete the ranks of air traffic controllers and essential personnel who have been working without pay since October 1.

Protecting Safety Amid a Staffing Crisis

“Beginning Friday morning, if the shutdown remains unresolved, the FAA will implement a systematic 10 percent reduction in flight operations at 40 of the country’s busiest airports,” Duffy stated. “This action is necessary to reduce risk and ensure continued safety within our National Airspace System,” he added.

Administrator Bedford emphasized the gravity of the situation: “We’ve never had to take such measures in my 35-year career in aviation. Controllers are facing extreme workloads and fatigue, with many working mandatory overtime without compensation. The system is operating with staffing margins that no longer apply.”

FAA manages over 44,000 daily flights, including commercial passenger services, cargo, and private aircraft. The 10% cutback translates into thousands of flights being delayed, rescheduled, or canceled across the impacted markets.

Airports Affected and Impact on Passengers

The FAA is expected to finalize and release the list of affected airports imminently, with the following major hubs confirmed or anticipated to be included:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
• Boston Logan International (BOS)
• Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
• New York City — John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty (EWR)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
• Denver International (DEN)
• Los Angeles International (LAX)
• San Francisco International (SFO)
• Miami International (MIA)
• Orlando International (MCO)
• Washington D.C. Airports — Ronald Reagan National (DCA), Washington Dulles (IAD)

These airports represent core traffic centers with documented air traffic controller shortages estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 vacancies nationwide.

Flight reductions will be phased, beginning at around 4% on Friday and ramping up to 10% within days. The restrictions primarily affect flights scheduled between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. International flights will be exempt from these cuts, according to FAA sources.

Traveler and Airline Responses

The announcement has heightened concerns among the traveling public and airlines about potential delays and cancellations as the reduction takes effect. Already, airports such as Newark and LaGuardia have experienced longer security lines and operational disruptions.

Airlines are coordinating with the FAA to manage impacts on departure timings, arrival flows, and hub banking practices to maintain as smooth an operation as possible under current constraints.

Despite the challenges, FAA officials stress that safety remains paramount. “Our sole responsibility is to keep this airspace as safe as possible,” Administrator Bedford said.

Ongoing Shutdown and Political Implications

The reduction in flights is a direct consequence of the prolonged partial federal government shutdown that started October 1, leaving over 10,000 FAA employees on unpaid leave or working without pay. The air traffic control workforce, critical to maintaining efficient and safe airspace operation, has reported rising fatigue and absences, compelling the FAA to act preemptively.

Transportation and aviation stakeholders are urging Congress to resolve the impasse to restore full hiring and staffing capabilities. Until then, the FAA will maintain the reduced capacity protocol to avoid safety compromises.

Summary of Key Facts:

• What: FAA mandates 10% reduction in flight operations at 40 major U.S. airports.
• When: Starting Friday, November 7, 2025.
• Why: To mitigate risks caused by severe air traffic controller shortages amid the ongoing government shutdown.
• Effect: Thousands of flights delayed, canceled or rescheduled daily; international flights exempted.
• Airports impacted: Include top hubs such as Atlanta, New York City airports, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, Denver, Miami, Orlando, among others.

The FAA’s action underscores the far-reaching consequences of the government shutdown on critical national infrastructure and safety systems, echoing calls for urgent political resolution to restore normal federal operations.