Overview
- The FAA is directing airlines to cut schedules by up to 10%, beginning with about 4% Friday and ramping over several days, largely targeting departures between roughly 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- A preliminary list of 40 affected markets, reported by the Associated Press and other outlets and circulated to carriers, includes major hubs such as Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, New York–area airports, Miami, Orlando and San Francisco.
- United, American and Delta say they will offer fee‑free changes and refunds, with United indicating long‑haul international and hub‑to‑hub flights will be maintained as carriers focus cuts on regional and other domestic routes.
- Airports Council International–North America estimates a full 10% pullback at these airports could cancel around 3,300 flights per day and reduce airport economic output by roughly $327 million daily, with ripple effects beyond the listed locations.
- Transportation officials describe the reductions as a safety measure during the record shutdown, warning additional steps could follow as controllers miss another paycheck next week and staffing strain continues.