The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday began a phased reduction in airline operations at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, starting with a 4% cut and rising to 10% by Nov. 14, to preserve safety amid air traffic controller staffing shortfalls during the ongoing government shutdown.
The nationwide shutdown reached day 38 on Nov. 7, making it the longest in U.S. history. FAA officials say unpaid controllers working extended shifts and mandatory overtime have driven fatigue and uneven staffing, prompting the flight caps to keep separation standards and system safety intact. International flights are initially exempt from the reductions. (reuters.com)
Airlines scrubbed more than 1,000 U.S. flights on Friday and reported thousands of delays as the first 4% capacity trim took effect at high‑traffic hubs. The FAA plans to deepen the cuts to 10% by the end of next week if funding is not restored. (washingtonpost.com)
The reductions target “high‑volume” markets across roughly 40 airports in metropolitan areas including New York, Washington, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The phased plan begins with daytime hours and is intended to ease pressure on short‑staffed control facilities while maintaining safety margins. (washingtonpost.com)
“It does have the potential to be quite disruptive, even though the vast majority of flights are still going to operate as scheduled,” said Nick Ewen, senior editorial director at The Points Guy. He advised travelers to stay flexible, use airline apps for real‑time alerts and rebook quickly if their flights are canceled. (wknofm.org)
Major carriers say they are offering added flexibility. Delta said customers, including those with Basic Economy tickets, can change, cancel or refund travel without penalty during the affected period; Alaska and Hawaiian published broad waivers; and American and other carriers told customers they will proactively notify and reaccommodate those affected. United said its long‑haul international and hub‑to‑hub flights will continue operating as scheduled while it focuses cuts on regional and non‑hub routes; customers who choose not to travel can request refunds even if their flight isn’t canceled. Policies vary by airline and are being updated as operations evolve. (news.delta.com)
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has warned that, if controller availability worsens, flight reductions could go as high as 20%—beyond the 10% now slated—though he said no such expanded plan is in place. On Friday, Duffy also urged frustrated passengers to call Democratic senators, blaming them for the impasse—remarks Democrats rejected as political. (reuters.com)
The shutdown itself stems from a standoff over spending: Republicans have pushed a “clean” funding bill to reopen the government, while Democrats have sought to tie any stopgap to extending expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the chamber could stay through the weekend if there’s progress toward a vote. (cbsnews.com)
What this means for travelers: experts say Thanksgiving plans aren’t doomed, but flexibility helps. Consider refundable fares or travel insurance where it meaningfully applies, monitor airline communications closely, and rebook promptly if your flight is canceled to improve chances of a timely accommodation. (wknofm.org)
