FAA to Cut 10% of Flights at 40 Major U.S. Airports ✈️
Starting Friday, travelers across the U.S. could face new waves of delays and cancellations as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) moves to reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 major airports. The move comes amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, with thousands of unpaid air traffic controllers now working under increasing stress.
Why Flights Are Being Cut
The FAA’s decision marks an unprecedented response to what officials call “unsustainable pressures” on air traffic control staff. With roughly 13,000 controllers still on duty without pay, fatigue and short staffing have reached critical levels.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the move was meant to prevent safety issues before they arise: “We’re not going to wait for a problem to truly manifest itself when the early indicators tell us to act today.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed that the 10% reduction, which is expected to affect both commercial and private flights, is designed to preserve safety, not punish travelers. “This is about where the pressure is and how we alleviate it,” Duffy said during a press briefing.
What Travelers Can Expect
Fewer flights nationwide: Roughly 4,000 flights could be grounded or rescheduled each day across major hubs.
Widespread delays: Airports like Newark, LaGuardia, and Orlando have already seen long security lines and multi-hour waits.
Safety remains top priority: Officials insist U.S. airspace remains safe, even as workloads rise.
The FAA’s action affects both domestic travel and space launches, signaling just how stretched the system has become.
Full List of Airports Affected by FAA Flight Cuts
The following 40 major U.S. airports are expected to experience a 10% flight reduction starting Friday, November 7, 2025, as part of the FAA’s nationwide safety measure:
Anchorage International (ANC)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
Boston Logan International (BOS)
Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
Denver International (DEN)
Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
Newark Liberty International (EWR)
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL)
Honolulu International (HNL)
Houston Hobby (HOU)
Washington Dulles International (IAD)
George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
Indianapolis International (IND)
New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS)
Los Angeles International (LAX)
New York LaGuardia (LGA)
Orlando International (MCO)
Chicago Midway International (MDW)
Memphis International (MEM)
Miami International (MIA)
Minneapolis–St. Paul International (MSP)
Oakland International (OAK)
Ontario International (CA) (ONT)
Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
Portland International (PDX)
Philadelphia International (PHL)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
San Diego International (SAN)
Louisville International (SDF)
Seattle–Tacoma International (SEA)
San Francisco International (SFO)
Salt Lake City International (SLC)
Teterboro (NJ) – Private Jets & General Aviation (TEB)
Tampa International (TPA)
📍Source: CBS News – “These 40 Airports Could Be Impacted by the FAA’s Capacity Cuts and Flight Cancellations” ( Nov 5 2025 )
The Bigger Picture
This is the 36th day of the federal shutdown—the longest in U.S. history—and its ripple effects are hitting travelers hard. Many controllers have taken side jobs to make ends meet, while some have resigned altogether.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association says about half of major facilities are understaffed. The FAA warns it could take years to rebuild the workforce once hiring and training resume.
What to Do if You’re Flying Soon
Check your flight early and often. Use your airline’s app or website before leaving for the airport.
Arrive extra early. Expect longer lines and slower processing times.
Stay flexible. If possible, book refundable fares or travel insurance.
Even if the shutdown ends soon, flight restrictions will still begin Friday, as it may take time to restore normal staffing levels.
FAQ: FAA to Cut 10% of Flights
When do the flight cuts start?
Friday morning, November 7, 2025.
Which airports are affected?
See the full list above, as reported by CBS News, including hubs in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Orlando, and Phoenix.
Why not just hire more controllers?
Training new controllers takes 2–3 years, and the shutdown has halted hiring and certification programs.
Will this make flying unsafe?
Officials stress that the cuts are a preventive safety measure—reducing flight volume helps existing staff manage traffic safely.
What if my flight is canceled?
Airlines must offer rebooking or refunds for canceled flights, but travelers should act fast—alternative seats will be limited.
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