As the U.S. government shutdown enters its 38th day, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated a 10% reduction in flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports starting Friday, November 7, 2025. This unprecedented move aims to address severe staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, many of whom have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1, 2025.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the decision on November 5, explaining that the flight cuts are necessary to maintain operational safety amid the strain on personnel. “We are going to do this in a systematic way,” Duffy said, emphasizing that safety is the paramount concern. The affected airports include major hubs in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco, and Boston’s Logan International Airport, among others.
The shutdown has forced approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers to work unpaid, resulting in increased absenteeism and fatigue. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted the unprecedented nature of this situation, stating, “In my 35 years within the aviation industry, I have never encountered a scenario that necessitated these types of actions.” He warned that even if the shutdown ends soon, the FAA would need time to restore normal operations safely.
Airlines have begun adjusting their schedules to comply with the FAA’s directive, notifying passengers about cancellations and disruptions. Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle urged travelers to have backup plans, saying, “If your flight is canceled, your chances of being stranded are high, so I would simply have a backup ticket on another airline.” Major carriers like United Airlines are actively communicating with customers about schedule changes and offering flexibility with rebooking.
Travelers face a particularly challenging period with flight reductions coinciding closely with the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel season, raising concerns about widespread disruption. Airports are experiencing longer security wait times and delays, compounding frustrations for passengers.
Experts emphasize that the cuts aim to reduce workload pressures on controllers who are facing mandatory overtime and working six days a week without pay. The FAA explained that these measures seek to prevent the “mass chaos” that could ensue if staffing issues worsen, with Transportation Secretary Duffy cautioning that parts of the national airspace could eventually be closed if conditions degrade.
In sum, the ongoing government shutdown has triggered significant operational disruptions in U.S. aviation, forcing major airports to cut thousands of flights this Friday and potentially beyond. Travelers are advised to check flight status frequently, prepare for delays, and consider alternate travel arrangements. Congress is under increasing pressure to resolve the funding impasse to prevent further impact on the nation’s critical air travel infrastructure.
