FAA Capacity Cuts Could Disrupt Flights at 40 Major U.S. Airports

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to reduce airline capacity by up to 10% at some of the busiest airports across the United States as part of an emergency response to staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown. The cuts, which could affect major hubs in Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, and Los Angeles, are expected to begin Friday and be fully implemented by next week, according to sources cited by CBS News.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that 40 “high-volume” air traffic areas are slated for temporary reductions in capacity. The move comes amid growing strain on the nation’s aviation infrastructure, with air traffic controllers continuing to work without pay through the shutdown’s 36th day. The FAA has not yet released an official list of affected airports, but discussions between the Department of Transportation (DOT), the FAA, and airline representatives indicate the cuts will target major passenger and cargo hubs to alleviate operational stress.

According to a proposed list obtained by CBS News from a source familiar with the matter, airports that could be impacted include major domestic and international gateways such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), Los Angeles International (LAX), and New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA). The list also includes critical cargo and logistics airports, including Louisville (UPS Worldport), Memphis (FedEx hub), Anchorage, and Ontario, California, as well as Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, a key facility for private jets and general aviation traffic.

While the FAA has not confirmed the final list, officials say the cuts are designed to maintain safety standards and prevent system overloads amid reduced staffing. The temporary capacity limits would reduce flight operations — including departures and arrivals — during peak hours at selected airports, allowing remaining personnel to manage traffic more efficiently.

The DOT and FAA have not provided further comment on how long the reductions will remain in effect. Aviation industry leaders warn that the capacity cuts could lead to widespread flight delays, cancellations, and logistical disruptions at key U.S. hubs. Airlines are reportedly reviewing their schedules and contingency plans to minimize passenger impact once the measures take effect.

With the government shutdown stretching past five weeks, the FAA faces mounting pressure to balance safety and efficiency in the nation’s airspace. If the cuts are implemented as proposed, travelers could see longer wait times, rerouted flights, and tighter connection windows at major airports nationwide.

Here’s the list, in alphabetical order by airport code:

  • 
Anchorage International (ANC)
  • 
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
  • 
Boston Logan International (BOS)
  • 
Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
  • 
Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
  • 
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
  • 
Dallas Love (DAL)
  • 
Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
  • 
Denver International (DEN)
  • 
Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
  • 
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
  • 
Newark Liberty International (EWR)
  • 
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL)
  • 
Honolulu International (HNL)
  • 
Houston Hobby (HOU)
  • 
Washington Dulles International (IAD)
  • 
George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
  • 
Indianapolis International (IND)
  • 
New York John F Kennedy International (JFK)
  • 
Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS)
  • 
Los Angeles International (LAX)
  • 
New York LaGuardia (LGA)
  • 
Orlando International (MCO)
  • 
Chicago Midway (MDW)
  • 
Memphis International (MEM)
  • 
Miami International (MIA)
  • 
Minneapolis/St Paul International (MSP)
  • 
Oakland International (OAK)
  • 
Ontario International (ONT)
  • 
Chicago O`Hare International (ORD)
  • 
Portland International (PDX)
  • 
Philadelphia International (PHL)
  • 
Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
  • 
San Diego International (SAN)
  • 
Louisville International (SDF)
  • 
Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA)
  • 
San Francisco International (SFO)
  • 
Salt Lake City International (SLC)
  • 
Teterboro (TEB)
  • 
Tampa International (TPA)

Airguide.info reported a few days ago, that the staffing crisis in the U.S. air traffic control system has sparked widespread travel disruptions, with the New York City area hit especially hard. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 80% of air traffic controllers in the region were absent on Friday Oct. 31, contributing to significant delays and flight cancellations across major airports nationwide.

The FAA reported that 15 of the nation’s 30 busiest control centers—known as the Core 30—were operating with reduced staff, citing a surge in controller callouts. These staffing shortages are being blamed on growing fatigue and stress among air traffic controllers, many of whom are required to work without pay during the ongoing government shutdown.


Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=FAA, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airport-business/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, cbsnews.com

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