Flight Cancellations Surge as Airlines Scramble to Meet FAA’s 10% Cut Amid Historic Shutdown

Airlines across the United States are canceling and rescheduling thousands of flights after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a nationwide reduction in air traffic amid the ongoing government shutdown—now the longest in U.S. history. The directive, which took effect Friday at 6 a.m. EST, is already causing significant disruptions at airports nationwide.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced that the Trump administration has directed airlines to cut 10% of flights at 40 “high-impact” airports to relieve pressure on overworked air traffic controllers, many of whom are continuing to work without pay. Airlines were instructed to begin with a 4% reduction on Friday Nov. 7, ramping up to the full 10% cut next week if the shutdown continues.

Nationwide Disruptions Mount

By midmorning Friday, flight-tracking services reported over 800 cancellations and thousands of delays as carriers scrambled to comply with the FAA mandate. Major U.S. hubs—including Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Los Angeles (LAX), and Denver (DEN)—were among the hardest hit.

Airlines including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest confirmed they were adjusting schedules and reassigning crews to comply with the directive. Delta reported more than 150 cancellations systemwide, while United and American warned passengers to expect additional disruptions over the weekend.

Air Traffic Control Crisis

The FAA’s order follows weeks of escalating reports of severe staffing shortages at air traffic control centers nationwide. Many controllers have taken on second jobs or called in sick, citing exhaustion and financial stress as the shutdown stretches into its fifth week.

“We just can’t ignore it when early indicators are telling us to act now before safety deteriorates,” Administrator Bedford said in a press briefing. “This is about maintaining the safety of the flying public.”

Facilities serving Houston, Newark, Phoenix, and Charlotte are among those experiencing critical shortages, leading to longer taxi times, increased runway congestion, and more frequent ground holds.

Traveler Impact and Airline Response

Passengers are facing widespread frustration as airlines implement the cuts. Many travelers have been rebooked on later flights or rerouted through smaller regional airports. Several carriers have waived change and cancellation fees, while others are offering refunds or travel credits to affected passengers.
To minimize disruption, airlines are deploying larger aircraft on key routes and prioritizing long-haul and international flights, though industry experts warn that even these efforts may not prevent cascading delays.

“This is one of the most significant operational disruptions since the pandemic recovery,” said aviation analyst Michael Boyd. “With the FAA pulling back traffic, the ripple effects across hubs and regional connections will be felt for days.”

Regional and cargo hubs—including Louisville, Memphis, and Anchorage—are also expected to experience delays due to their heavy air traffic volumes.

Unprecedented Step in U.S. Aviation

Industry observers describe the FAA’s 10% flight reduction as unprecedented in modern aviation history. It marks the first time in decades that the agency has ordered a systemwide traffic cut due to workforce shortages.

While the Department of Transportation and Justice Department have defended the move as necessary to ensure safety, airline trade groups are warning that prolonged restrictions could have severe economic consequences, affecting both passenger and cargo operations ahead of the holiday season.

“We recognize the frustration this will cause,” Secretary Duffy said. “But ensuring the safety and stability of the nation’s airspace comes first. These measures are temporary but essential.”

As the shutdown enters its 36th day, travelers are urged to check flight status updates frequently, remain flexible with itineraries, and prepare for continued delays and cancellations through the coming week.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnn.com, reuters.com