Particle.news
Download on the App Store

FAA Orders Flight Cuts at 40 U.S. Airports as Shutdown Triggers Hundreds of Cancellations

The FAA says stepped capacity cuts are needed to ease safety risks from unpaid controller absences during the protracted shutdown.

Overview

  • Operations are being trimmed by about 4% now and scheduled to rise to roughly 10% by November 14 across major hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Washington and Miami.
  • Flight-tracking data showed more than 800 to over 1,200 U.S. flight cancellations on Friday, with further disruption on Saturday including around 1,000 cancellations and thousands of delays.
  • American Airlines canceled 221 flights and United 184 on Friday, regional operator SkyWest logged extensive cuts, and international services were initially less affected.
  • The FAA cites 20–40% controller no-shows on some days as thousands work without pay; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned cuts could reach 20% if absences intensify.
  • With the shutdown in its 39th day, the Senate met over the weekend without a deal, the Supreme Court temporarily stayed full SNAP payments, and Germany’s Foreign Office advised travelers to expect longer airport waits.