FAA Cuts Flights at 40 Airports Amid 2025 Government Shutdown
As the 2025 US government shutdown extends into its sixth week on 7 November, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reduced flights at 40 major airports. This action reflects critical disruptions in US air travel due to staffing shortages in air traffic control.
Flight Reductions and Passenger Impact
To address controller fatigue caused by mandatory unpaid overtime and six-day workweeks, the FAA has cut flight operations by 10%. On the first day of the cuts, over 790 flights were removed from schedules, affecting up to 268,000 passengers daily. These reductions have raised concerns about holiday delays and widespread airline cancellations in 2025.
Economic and Operational Consequences
The shortage of controllers and reduced flights threatens aviation safety and has broader economic consequences, including delayed package deliveries and disrupted business meetings.
Airports and Schedule Reductions
- The FAA’s directive applies to 40 busy airports across more than two dozen states.
- Initial flight reductions began at 4% on 7 November and will increase to 10% by 14 November, starting from 6 a.m.
- Key affected hubs include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), Denver International (DEN), Los Angeles International (LAX), and Charlotte Douglas International (CLT).
- Other significant airports impacted are New York’s JFK, LGA, and EWR; Houston’s IAH and HOU; Chicago’s ORD and MDW; and Washington’s DCA and IAD.
"This aviation safety risks crisis, born of mandatory unpaid overtime for controllers working six days weekly, ripples through economic impacts shutdown, from stalled package deliveries to upended business meetings."
Author's summary: The FAA’s flight cuts at 40 key US airports amid the prolonged 2025 government shutdown severely disrupt travel and economic activities, as controller shortages force significant operational slowdowns.