FAA Flight Caps Put Orlando Holiday Travel at Risk as Shutdown Drags On

Overview

• Airlines have canceled thousands of flights nationwide in recent days, including dozens at Orlando International, under FAA safety directives.
• The FAA’s 10% cap on operations at many major airports took effect this week, tightening capacity as the Thanksgiving rush approaches.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that airports will not return to full strength immediately even if the government reopens.
• Officials warned that the FAA could direct the busiest airports, including Orlando, to cut as much as 20% of daily flights.
• Travel advisers urge families headed to Disney World to consider driving, flexible dates, or alternate airports as disruptions could stretch into Christmas.