Executive Summary
- The Trump administration announced the FAA will begin reducing flights at 40 airports nationwide, including 30 major hubs, starting November 8, 2025, if the government shutdown continues.
- The flight reductions, estimated at 10% at affected airports, are necessitated by federal employee staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown, which began October 1.
- Millions of travelers could face significant disruptions and cancellations, with experts advising passengers to book backup tickets, utilize airline waivers, book directly with airlines, and avoid layovers.
The Story So Far
- The impending flight reductions are a direct result of the ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1 and has left many federal employees, including essential FAA staff, unpaid. This situation has led to significant staffing shortages across FAA facilities, compelling the administration to implement these cuts to ensure the maintenance of air travel safety and service levels amidst operational strain.
Why This Matters
- The Trump administration’s announced FAA flight reductions, a direct consequence of the ongoing government shutdown and resulting federal employee staffing shortages, will significantly disrupt air travel for millions of Americans with potential cancellations and delays at 40 major airports. This situation underscores the severe operational strain on critical federal services and the airline industry, which is now scrambling to adjust schedules and mitigate passenger impact while maintaining safety.
Who Thinks What?
- The Trump administration, through the FAA, announced flight reductions at 40 airports nationwide due to federal employee staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown, with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford indicating a 10% reduction in traffic.
- Airlines, represented by Airlines for America, were notified of the plan shortly before its public announcement and are working with the government to understand the mandate’s details and mitigate impacts on passengers and shippers.
The Trump administration announced on November 6, 2025, that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will begin reducing flights at 40 airports nationwide starting this Friday if the ongoing government shutdown continues. Millions of Americans planning air travel this month could face significant disruptions and cancellations as a result of the impending cuts, which are attributed to federal employee staffing shortages.
Affected Airports and Flight Reductions
The planned flight reductions will impact the “Core 30” high-traffic airports, which include major hubs in New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. An additional 10 airports across the country are also expected to see service cuts. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that traffic at these affected airports would be reduced by approximately 10%.
Bedford indicated that the FAA would ask airlines to collaborate on schedule reductions. Airlines for America, an industry trade group, confirmed that carriers were notified of the plan only about an hour before its public announcement. The group stated it is working with the government to understand the mandate’s details and aims to mitigate passenger and shipper impacts.
Advice for Travelers
Travelers with plans to fly in the coming days are advised to consider booking backup tickets on alternative carriers, according to Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are offering waivers, allowing passengers to change tickets without fees if they no longer wish to fly.
Experts also recommend booking directly with airlines rather than third-party websites to simplify potential rebooking processes. Additionally, avoiding flights with layovers can reduce the chances of delays or cancellations, as suggested by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.
Underlying Causes of the Cuts
The flight reductions stem from the government shutdown, which began on October 1 and has left many federal employees unpaid. While air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners are deemed essential and required to work, they are not receiving pay. This situation has led some to seek alternative income sources to manage their finances.
A CNN analysis revealed more than 400 staffing shortages at FAA facilities since the shutdown commenced. These shortages underscore the operational challenges faced by the agency, necessitating the proposed flight reductions to maintain service levels.
Outlook
The potential flight cuts highlight the broader operational strain placed on critical federal services by the prolonged government shutdown. As the deadline approaches, millions of travelers and the airline industry face uncertainty, with the FAA working to manage reduced staffing while maintaining air travel safety.
