FAA Cuts Flights at 40 Airports Amid Government Shutdown

Unprecedented Flight Reductions Announced Amid Government Shutdown

In a move that will affect travelers nationwide, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major airports across the United States. The decision, driven by staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown, could slash thousands of daily flights starting as early as this week.

The FAA, led by Administrator Bryan Bedford, made the announcement during a press conference on Wednesday. Bedford emphasized that this is a proactive safety measure, not a response to current incidents. "Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible," Bedford stated, adding that the cuts target areas experiencing the most operational pressure.

The reductions will begin Friday at 4% capacity and ramp up to the full 10% by the following week. The cuts will apply to flights operating between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time, with international flights exempt from the reductions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy clarified that the action aims to "reduce the risk profile in the national airspace" amid the 36-day government shutdown.

Which Airports Are Affected?

The list of impacted airports includes some of the nation's busiest hubs:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
• All three New York City-area airports (JFK, LGA, EWR)
• Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
• Los Angeles International (LAX)
• Boston Logan International (BOS)
• Denver International (DEN)
• Miami International (MIA)
• San Francisco International (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)
• And 30 others including Memphis, Orlando, Phoenix, and Honolulu

Notably, cargo hubs like Louisville (SDF) and Anchorage (ANC) are also included on the list. The FAA stressed that the cuts will be proportionate across airlines, though it hasn't yet finalized how reductions will be allocated.

What Travelers Need to Know

Airlines are already preparing for the changes. United Airlines has announced that long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights won't be affected, and the airline is offering full refunds for all tickets—including basic economy and non-refundable fares. The company plans to notify passengers via its app, email, and push notifications.

"We are working with the federal government to understand all details of the new reduction mandate and will strive to mitigate impacts to passengers and shippers," stated Airlines for America, a trade group representing major carriers.

"We're not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself when the early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent things from deteriorating." — FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford

Bedford, who has 35 years of experience in aviation, called the measure "unprecedented" and acknowledged there's "no perfect solution" to the situation. The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the FAA's actions.

What Happens Next?

While the list of 40 airports is final, the FAA is still working on the formal order that will detail implementation. Travelers should check their airlines' websites for the latest flight status updates and consider booking earlier or later in the day to avoid peak reduction hours. The situation remains fluid as the government shutdown continues, with potential for further adjustments to flight schedules.