US to cut flights at 40 airports if shutdown doesn't end, transportation secretary warns

November 6, 2025

The US government shutdown, now the longest in history, has forced Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to announce significant flight capacity reductions of up to 10% at 40 major American airports in the coming days. This unprecedented measure stems from air traffic controllers working without pay for a month and reporting dangerous levels of fatigue, with many taking second jobs or calling in sick to manage financial pressures. Approximately 1.

Who is affected

Approximately 1.4 million federal workers, including air traffic controllers and park wardens
Air traffic controllers at 40 major US airports who are working without pay
Over 20,000 aviation workers represented by labor unions
Airline passengers whose domestic flights will be cancelled (potentially 3,500-4,000 flights daily)
Major airlines including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines
Single parents and families of federal workers struggling financially

What action is being taken

Flight capacity is being cut gradually: 4% on Friday, 5% on Saturday, 6% on Sunday, and up to 10% next week
Air traffic controllers are working without pay while being deemed essential employees
Many controllers are taking second jobs with services like Uber, DoorDash, or food delivery
Airlines are evaluating how the restrictions will affect their services and preparing to notify customers
Transportation officials are monitoring safety pressures in the aviation system

Why it matters

This situation represents an unprecedented threat to the safety and reliability of the world's largest aviation system, as fatigue among unpaid air traffic controllers compromises the predictability and safety margins essential to air travel operations. The shutdown is forcing critical safety personnel into untenable situations where they must choose between financial survival and performing their safety-critical duties, with controllers reporting they lack money for basic necessities like gas to commute to work. The flight cancellations demonstrate how the political impasse over the federal budget is cascading into tangible disruptions affecting millions of travelers and threatening the integrity of national infrastructure that relies on consistent, alert personnel.

What's next

The names of 40 affected airports (including major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Chicago O'Hare, and Los Angeles) will be released on Thursday
If the shutdown continues, additional restrictive measures may be required beyond the 10% capacity reduction
Airlines will determine which specific flights will be cancelled and notify affected customers

Read full article from source: BBC