U.S. plans 10% flight reductions at 40 airports amid government shutdown
WASHINGTON/CHICAGO, Nov 5 – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that he would order a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major U.S. airports, citing air traffic control safety concerns as the federal government enters its 36th day of a shutdown, the longest in U.S. history.
The abrupt plan forced airlines to quickly adjust schedules, while passengers inundated customer service lines with concerns over upcoming travel. Duffy noted that the cuts could be reversed if Democrats agree to reopen the government.
The shutdown has left 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents working without pay. Airlines report that at least 3.2 million travelers have already been affected by air traffic control shortages, and tens of thousands of flights have faced delays.
“The safety of the airspace is our top priority,” Duffy told reporters, citing a confidential FAA safety assessment of controllers’ performance under the shutdown.
According to industry sources, the FAA plans staged reductions: 4% initially, rising to 5% Saturday, 6% Sunday, and reaching 10% next week. International flights will be exempt from the cuts. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stressed the measures aim to prevent further deterioration in safety.
Although the FAA has not named all 40 airports, the reductions are expected to impact the 30 busiest hubs, including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas, potentially affecting 1,800 flights and over 268,000 airline seats, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
The cuts are designed to alleviate pressure on overworked controllers, who are already 3,500 staff short and have been working overtime and six-day weeks. The FAA may impose further restrictions if air traffic issues persist.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the cuts would mainly affect regional and non-hub domestic routes, while long-haul and hub-to-hub flights would remain unchanged. He also highlighted flexible refund options for travelers. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines echoed similar reassurances to customers, while urging Congress to resolve the funding impasse.
Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, called the shutdown “a cruel attack on all Americans” and criticized both parties for creating the crisis.
The government closure, which began October 1, has furloughed roughly 750,000 federal employees and disrupted many services, including food assistance programs for low-income Americans. Secretary Duffy warned that continued shutdowns could lead to “mass chaos” and potential closures of some national airspace.
Shares of major airlines including United and American fell approximately 1% in extended trading. Airlines noted that while current operations remain mostly unaffected, prolonged shutdowns could reduce bookings.
The FAA also plans to restrict space launches and limit general aviation flights as part of the safety measures.
