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3h ago

FAA Orders Flight Cuts at 40 Airports, Triggering Thousands of Delays as Shutdown Drags On

The agency is phasing in 4%–10% reductions at major hubs to address safety risks from air traffic controller shortages.

A passenger stands by a screen showing delayed flights due to the government shutdown, at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 6, 2025.
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Travellers waiting at a crowded security checkpoint at Seattle-Tacoma international airport. Increasing numbers of flights are being cancelled in the US due to the shutdown

Overview

  • More than 7,000 U.S. flights were delayed and over 2,100 were canceled on Sunday, with heavy disruptions at Atlanta, New York–area and Chicago airports.
  • The FAA’s schedule began with a 4% reduction on Nov. 7, rises to 6% on Nov. 11, and reaches 10% by Nov. 14 across 40 high‑volume airports.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned air travel in the two weeks before Thanksgiving could be “reduced to a trickle,” citing escalating staffing shortfalls.
  • Duffy reported 81 staffing “triggers” on Saturday, including numerous controller absences in Atlanta, as officials continue using traffic slowdowns to maintain safety.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered reserve military controllers, though their use in civilian towers is uncertain, while airlines are rebooking or refunding customers and advising travelers to monitor apps and alerts.