FAA to Slash Thousands of Daily Flights Amid Government Shutdown
Starting this week, air travelers across the United States are set to face major disruptions as the Federal Aviation Administration announces unprecedented reductions in flight capacity. The FAA revealed that thousands of daily flights will be cut, with capacity being reduced by about 10% at 40 major airports nationwide. This action is a direct response to staffing pressures caused by the ongoing government shutdown, officials explained during a Wednesday press briefing.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, outlined that the reductions will begin Friday morning, with some cuts possibly starting as early as Thursday. Initially, the flight reductions will start at roughly 4% and gradually increase to the full 10%, impacting flights scheduled between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. International flights, however, will not be affected. The FAA has indicated that a final, detailed list of airports and a formal order is expected to be released on Thursday.
The airports slated for capacity cuts include some of the nation’s busiest hubs: Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Boston Logan, New York City’s three major airports, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles International, Miami International, and many more. In total, 40 airports are on the list, reflecting locations where air traffic pressure is heaviest rather than simply lower-traffic airports.
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Officials emphasized that this is a proactive safety measure. Bedford explained that the reductions are intended to prevent safety problems before they arise, saying, “We’re not going to wait for a safety problem to manifest when early indicators allow us to act now.” Duffy echoed this sentiment, noting that the FAA is working to reduce the overall risk profile in the national airspace during this period of uncertainty.
Airlines have begun preparing passengers for the impact. United Airlines confirmed that long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights will continue as normal, while customers affected by reduced schedules can request refunds, even on non-refundable tickets. Updates will be sent through apps, email, and push notifications.
This move marks an unprecedented step in the FAA’s history, with Bedford noting he has never seen anything like it in his 35-year career. Airlines for America, representing several major carriers, stated that they are coordinating with federal authorities to minimize disruptions for travelers and cargo.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the FAA’s decision. As the government shutdown continues, more adjustments could be required, and travelers are strongly encouraged to check flight statuses and prepare for potential delays or cancellations.
In short, the coming days are likely to bring significant changes to domestic air travel, as the FAA takes extraordinary steps to maintain safety in the skies while navigating the operational challenges caused by the government shutdown.
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