Flight cancellation updates: The FAA flight cuts have hit airports across the US as the shutdown squeezes airports

Flight Cancellation Updates Amid Government Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a 10% reduction in flights due to the ongoing government shutdown. This mandate affects 40 major U.S. airports, causing widespread cancellations and disruption of travel plans for thousands of passengers.

Impact on Airlines and Airports

Airlines have canceled flights at 40 airports across the country.
The FAA initially required a 4% cut on Friday, increasing to 10% by November 14.
About 750 flights had been canceled by 6 a.m. ET on Friday, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm.
Only domestic flights are directly impacted by the FAA's flight reduction mandate.
Major airline hubs are bearing the greatest share of these disruptions.

Staffing Challenges for Air Traffic Controllers

Since October 1, air traffic controllers have been working without pay. As the shutdown extends into its second month, an increasing number are calling in sick, leading to staffing shortages that prompted the FAA's flight cuts.

Statements from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

"If the shutdown continues for much longer, more unpaid air traffic controllers will stop showing up for work."

"That could mean a mandated reduction of air traffic as high as 20%."

He later clarified that the 20% reduction was hypothetical and that there are no current plans to impose such a severe cut.

FAA Flight Reduction Plans

The FAA has already implemented flight reductions, grounding 10% of flights at key airports to manage limited staffing during the shutdown.

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Insider — 2025-11-07

Flight Cancellation Updates Amid Government Shutdown

Impact on Airlines and Airports

Staffing Challenges for Air Traffic Controllers

Statements from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

FAA Flight Reduction Plans

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