These 40 US airports may face flight cuts due to government shutdown

November 7, 2025

The US Federal Aviation Administration plans to reduce flights at 40 of America's busiest airports due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown. Air traffic control facilities are experiencing absences as controllers call in sick or work secondary jobs since they are not receiving paychecks, contributing to what has become the longest government shutdown in US history. The flight reductions will begin Friday at a 4% decrease and gradually increase to 10% by November 14th, affecting major hubs including Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world's busiest.

Who is affected

Air traffic controllers working without pay during the government shutdown
Hundreds of thousands of federal workers not receiving paychecks
Airline passengers traveling through 40 major US airports
Major US airlines including United, Delta, American, Southwest, Frontier, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue
International and domestic travelers (though international flights are exempt from mandatory cuts)

What action is being taken

The FAA is cancelling flights at 40 airports starting with a 4% reduction on Friday
Air traffic controllers are calling out sick or taking side jobs
Airlines are waiving cancellation and rebooking fees for customers
Airlines are allowing customers to adjust flights or cancel preemptively for free
United Airlines is offering refunds without fare difference penalties for rebookings through November 16th
Delta, American, Southwest, and Frontier have implemented various customer accommodation policies

Why it matters

This situation represents a cascading crisis stemming from the longest government shutdown in US history, demonstrating how political gridlock directly impacts critical transportation infrastructure. The shortage of paid air traffic controllers creates safety and operational concerns at the nation's busiest airports, potentially affecting millions of travelers. The flight reductions at major hubs like Atlanta (which handled over 108 million passengers in 2024) will have widespread ripple effects across the national aviation system and economy.

What's next

Flight reductions begin Friday at 4%
Cuts increase to 6% by November 11th
Cuts increase to 8% by November 13th
Full 10% reduction implemented by November 14th

Read full article from source: BBC