Air travelers across the United States are facing mounting disruptions as the longest government shutdown in American history deepens. With thousands of air traffic controllers working unpaid and under increasing strain, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports starting Friday morning.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the move on Wednesday, citing growing safety concerns linked to controller fatigue. The FAA will publish the official order on Thursday, and additional restrictions could follow if the situation worsens. “I’m not aware of any situation in my 35 years in aviation where we’ve had to take these kinds of measures,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters. “We’re in new territory when it comes to government shutdowns.”
The FAA currently operates with roughly 3,500 fewer air traffic controllers than normal, forcing those on duty to work six-day weeks with mandatory overtime. Bedford said the decision to cut flights was made after pilots and supervisors submitted reports warning of exhaustion among staff. “We’re starting to see evidence that fatigue is building in the system,” he said. “We need to relieve that pressure before it becomes a safety issue.”
Duffy had raised similar concerns in early October, warning that controllers distracted by financial uncertainty could put air safety at risk. “They’re not just thinking about the airspace,” he said during a visit to Newark Liberty International Airport. “They’re thinking about how to pay their mortgage or if they need to take a second job.”
The impact on passengers is already being felt. Nearly 3,900 delays and more than 170 cancellations were recorded nationwide on Wednesday, according to FlightAware. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has called the situation an “unsustainable crisis,” urging Congress to end the shutdown immediately.
Major airlines are now preparing for the FAA’s flight reductions. United Airlines said it would offer refunds to all travelers, including those with non-refundable tickets. “Any customer traveling during this period is eligible for a refund if they do not wish to fly,” United CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement. He added that United will provide “rolling updates” to minimize disruption and that international and hub-to-hub routes will be prioritized.
Delta Airlines said it expects to operate most flights as planned, emphasizing that safety remains its “top priority.”
The FAA has not yet released the full list of affected airports but said reductions would apply to “high-volume markets.” In 2024, the 40 busiest U.S. airports each handled over five million passengers, with Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver International among the most trafficked.
Duffy said the duration of the cuts will depend on staffing data and safety evaluations. “We have to make sure the system remains safe for everyone in the air and on the ground,” he said. “These measures will stay in place for as long as necessary.”
