Airlines have canceled hundreds of Friday flights after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will be reducing air traffic by 10 percent across 40 airports nationwide as the federal government shutdown continues.
Newsweek reached out to the FAA via email on Thursday night for comment.
Why It Matters
The cancellations of flights across the United States mark a significant disruption to the nation’s transportation system, intensifying concerns for both air travel safety and economic stability as the federal government shutdown enters its sixth week.
The FAA’s directive to reduce flight operations at 40 high-traffic airports demonstrates the tangible impact of congressional gridlock on everyday Americans, with experts warning of broader consequences for airlines, workers and travelers—especially as the busy holiday travel season looms.
What To Know
According to Reuters, Delta and United Airlines have begun canceling November 7 flights, following the FAA’s missive. United said it plans to cut 4 percent of flights from Friday through Sunday as Delta plans to cut 170 flights for Friday and less on Saturday.
United said it operates roughly 4,500 flights per day, and, per Reuters, the carrier said the cuts will impact less than 200 flights per day.
The reductions—impacting mostly domestic, regional and mainline flights not operating between major airline hubs—are part of a strategy aiming to relieve pressure on the overstressed national aviation system. Hub-to-hub and long-haul international flights are being prioritized at United, while travelers affected by cancellations are being notified in advance and offered flexible rebooking or refunds.
What People Are Saying
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, on X Thursday: “.@USDOT has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics – it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue working without pay. It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking.”
Vice President JD Vance, on X Thursday: “What the Democrats are doing on the government shutdown is genuinely unprecedented, and while the administration has shielded the American people from the worst of the consequences, all of this is coming, and soon: An aviation emergency that will lead to significant travel delays for all Americans. Food stamp and other assistance programs running out for needy Americans. Great strains on our military and national security. The shutdown has now passed from farce into tragedy, and the consequences of this national emergency fall on every senator and congressman who refuses to open the government.”
Andrew Yang, entrepreneur and 2020 presidential candidate, also on X Thursday: “The FAA reducing flights because of an historically long government shutdown is the kind of thing that diminishes and derails consumer confidence. If you can’t count on being able to travel what else can’t you count on?”
What Happens Next
The timeline for restoring normal air traffic remains dependent on the resolution of the federal government funding impasse. If Congress fails to reach a budget agreement soon, both officials and stakeholders anticipate even greater disruptions.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor communications from their airlines, utilize digital tools for rebooking and notifications, and remain flexible as the situation develops.