November 06, 2025
US flight cuts due to shutdown are set to take effect starting Friday, as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the United States will reduce air travel capacity by up to 10% across 40 major airports. The decision comes amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, now stretching into its second month, as Congress remains deadlocked over federal funding.
The move is expected to impact domestic flights only, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) struggles to maintain staffing and safety levels. FAA Chief Bryan Bedford, speaking alongside Duffy at a press briefing, warned that air traffic controllers have been working long hours without pay, resulting in fatigue and growing safety risks.
Domestic Flights Hit as Shutdown Drags On
According to reports, about 1.4 million federal workers — including air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, and park wardens — have either been furloughed or are working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1. Bedford said the flight reductions will start at 4% on Friday, rise to 6% over the weekend, and reach the full 10% next week if no funding agreement is reached.
Major hubs expected to be affected include Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles International, and Washington’s Reagan National Airport. Together, these airports handle millions of passengers weekly, meaning the cuts could lead to 3,500–4,000 flight cancellations daily.
The FAA emphasized that the move was necessary to maintain airspace safety: “We are seeing pressures build in a way that we don’t feel — if we allow it to go unchecked — will allow us to continue to tell the public that we operate the safest airline system in the world,” Bedford said.
Workers Under Strain: “We Can’t Even Afford Gas”
Union leaders have voiced growing concern over the toll on aviation workers. Nick Daniels, head of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said many controllers are becoming ill with stress and exhaustion. “Air traffic controllers are texting, ‘I don’t even have enough money to put gas in my car to come to work,’” Daniels told CNN.
Some workers have resorted to side jobs to survive. One controller, a single father, wrote for MSNBC that he has been driving for DoorDash after his regular shift just to pay bills, sleeping only two hours a night. “The bills don’t stop,” he wrote, describing how the financial pressure is pushing essential staff to breaking point.
The shutdown’s effects are being felt nationwide — from national parks to airports — with the aviation sector hit especially hard. During the last major government shutdown in 2019, airports faced similar staffing shortages that led to long delays and temporary flight suspensions.
Airlines Brace for Chaos
The announcement has already sent ripples across the U.S. airline industry. American Airlines, the country’s second-largest carrier, said it is awaiting further instructions from the FAA to determine which flights will be cancelled. Southwest Airlines issued a statement urging Congress to resolve the funding impasse immediately, warning that continued disruptions could “erode traveler confidence.”
Delta Air Lines said it expects most of its flights to remain unaffected, but will offer penalty-free changes, cancellations, and refunds for passengers impacted by the cuts. United Airlines confirmed that long-haul international flights will continue, while some regional and non-hub domestic routes may face cancellations.
Budget airline Frontier Airlines issued an unusual warning to customers, urging them to purchase backup tickets on other carriers. “If you’re headed to a wedding, funeral, or something essential, buy a backup ticket,” said CEO Barry Biffle in a public statement.
Shutdown Fatigue and Political Stalemate
The crisis stems from Congress’s failure to pass a federal funding bill, leading to a complete halt in non-essential government operations. President and congressional leaders have yet to reach an agreement on the federal budget, leaving millions in financial uncertainty.
Duffy, addressing the media earlier this week, said the flight cancellations were a last resort to protect passenger safety. “Air travel is still safe, but our people are exhausted,” he said. “If we continue like this, we risk compromising the safety margin that makes the U.S. system the safest in the world.”
He also warned that further restrictions could be implemented if the shutdown continues into next week. “The FAA cannot sustain normal operations under these conditions indefinitely,” Duffy said.
National Impact and Uncertain Future
As the shutdown becomes the longest in American history, frustration is mounting among both workers and the public. Travelers across the nation are bracing for long lines, delayed flights, and cancellations as the weekend approaches.
Economists warn that the flight reductions could have a ripple effect on tourism and business sectors, costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars if the standoff continues.
Despite mounting pressure, both political parties remain entrenched, each blaming the other for the stalemate. The White House has said it is “ready to negotiate,” while congressional leaders accuse the administration of “holding federal workers hostage.”
For now, the skies over America may remain open — but with fewer planes, fewer staff, and growing uncertainty.
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Source:
BBC News
