FAA Cuts Flights at 40 Airports Amid 2025 Government Shutdown
As the US government shutdown continues into its sixth week on 7 November 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reduced flights at 40 major airports, causing significant disruptions in US air travel. The cuts, prompted by shortages in air traffic controllers, started with a 4% reduction and are set to reach 10% by 14 November to prevent controller fatigue caused by mandatory unpaid overtime and six-day workweeks.
Impact on Passengers and Airlines
On the first day of reductions, more than 790 flights were removed from schedules, stranding as many as 268,000 passengers daily. These cuts have sparked concerns about delays during the holiday travel season and increased airline cancellations throughout 2025.
"This aviation safety crisis, fueled by unpaid overtime for controllers, is leading to widespread economic effects — from delayed package deliveries to disrupted business meetings."
Affected Airports and Regions
The FAA's directive affects 40 high-traffic airports across over two dozen states. Prominent hubs include:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Denver International (DEN)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
- New York airports: JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR)
- Houston airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU)
- Chicago airports: O'Hare (ORD), Midway (MDW)
- Washington airports: Ronald Reagan (DCA), Dulles (IAD)
Economic Consequences
The flight reductions ripple beyond travel delays, affecting commerce due to stalled deliveries and interrupted business activities tied to air travel.
Author’s summary: FAA flight reductions caused by controller shortages amid the 2025 shutdown disrupt tens of thousands of travelers daily, triggering wide economic and logistical challenges across major US airports.