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FAA Begins Phased Flight Cuts at 40 Airports as Shutdown Forces Hundreds of Cancellations

The move is intended to relieve strain on unpaid air traffic controllers during the record shutdown, with deeper reductions set for next week if Congress fails to fund the government.

Overview

  • An initial 4% reduction took effect Nov. 7 under an FAA order that will rise to 6%, 8% and 10% by Nov. 14 if the shutdown continues.
  • Flight trackers reported roughly 700 to more than 800 cancellations Friday, with heavy impacts at hubs including Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta, Denver and Dallas–Fort Worth.
  • American canceled about 220 flights per day and United under 200 on Friday and Saturday, while Delta projected roughly 170 Friday cancellations.
  • Carriers said long‑haul international and core hub‑to‑hub flights are largely preserved, concentrating cuts on domestic and regional routes.
  • DOT said passengers are entitled to full refunds for canceled flights, though airlines are not required to cover lodging or meals, and potential knock‑on effects at FedEx’s Memphis and UPS’s Louisville hubs could grow without a funding deal.