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2h ago

FAA Cuts Mandatory Flight Reductions to 3% at 40 Airports as Shutdown Recovery Continues

A sharp drop in controller staffing triggers prompted the change, signaling cautious progress toward normal operations.

Travelers check their flight status at Dulles International airport as the nation's air travel system begins to return to normal, as the U.S. government opens back up following the longest shutdown in U.S. history, in Dulles, Virginia, U.S. November 13, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: An American Airlines plane takes off near the air traffic control tower at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has reduced flights by 10 percent in 40 major airports around the country, including LAX, with airlines warning that flight disruptions could continue even after the end of the federal government shutdown as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Starting Saturday at 6 a.m. local time, airlines at 40 major airports will trim 3% of flights instead of 6% after DOT and FAA cited improving controller staffing.
  • Staffing-trigger events fell from a record 81 on Nov. 8 to low single digits on Friday, and cancellations and delays have eased markedly, according to FAA and FlightAware data.
  • The 3% requirement will remain through the weekend as officials monitor safety and staffing, with a decision on resuming normal schedules possible as early as Monday.
  • Some limits persist, including general-aviation restrictions at 12 airports, curtailed VFR approaches where staffing is thin, overnight-only windows for commercial space launches, and constraints on parachute and photo missions.
  • Recovery is uneven due to localized shortages and fatigue—such as Austin’s understaffed tower—and airlines continue offering waivers as ripple effects could linger into the Thanksgiving period.