FAA Slashes Flights at 40 Airports Amid 2025 Shutdown

As the US government shutdown of 2025 enters its sixth week on November 7, the Federal Aviation Administration has implemented flight reductions at 40 major airports. The move highlights the severity of travel disruptions across the country.

Impact on Air Travel

Air traffic control shortages have forced the FAA to cut operations by up to 10 percent to reduce controller fatigue. On the first day alone, more than 790 flights were removed from schedules, leaving an estimated 268,000 passengers stranded daily.

“Over 790 flights vanished from schedules on the inaugural day, stranding up to 268,000 passengers daily.”

Airlines are now facing widespread cancellations and delays, sparking worries about severe disruptions during the upcoming holiday season.

Safety and Economic Concerns

The crisis stems from air traffic controllers working mandatory unpaid overtime six days a week, heightening safety concerns and fatigue-related risks. Ripple effects extend beyond airports, slowing package deliveries and forcing cancellations of business travel.

Major Airports Affected

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
Denver International (DEN)
Los Angeles International (LAX)
Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
New York airports – JFK, LGA, EWR
Houston airports – IAH, HOU
Chicago airports – ORD, MDW
Washington airports – DCA, IAD

The FAA’s order began on November 7 with a 4 percent reduction in operations, set to rise to 10 percent by November 14 between morning peak hours.

Author’s Summary

FAA’s nationwide flight cuts reveal the depth of the 2025 shutdown’s toll on US air travel, spotlighting worker fatigue, safety issues, and major economic disruptions.

International Business Times — 2025-11-07