Overview
- The FAA said the reductions will apply to IFR operations, with potential limits on VFR traffic and space launches in certain markets.
- The agency plans to publish the list of affected airports Thursday after meeting with airlines, while ABC News reported a draft list that includes ATL, the New York area airports, LAX, and ORD.
- Reporting indicates the cuts may be phased in, beginning around 4% during daytime hours and increasing toward 10% over several days.
- United Airlines will offer refunds to any customer who prefers not to travel during the restrictions and will focus its schedule cuts on regional and non‑hub domestic routes, preserving long‑haul international and hub‑to‑hub flights.
- Travel analysts warn the reductions could cascade into thousands of daily cancellations and broader delays nationwide if the funding standoff continues.