Nationwide Air Traffic Reductions Set to Start Friday Morning: Latest Updates

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Airports across more than two dozen states are experiencing flight reductions, and the effects are expected to extend far beyond these specific locations.

WASHINGTON — Starting Friday, U.S. airlines will begin implementing significant flight reductions at several of the nation’s busiest airports, including those in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago, as a result of the ongoing government shutdown.

The cuts will affect airports in over two dozen states, with consequences likely to be felt well beyond these targeted areas.

On Thursday, airlines were in a rush to determine which flights to cut, leaving travelers anxious about their weekend and future travel plans, unsure if their flights would proceed as planned.

In anticipation of the weekend, airlines also prepared for additional cancellations, advising passengers to use apps to check their flight statuses. Delta Air Lines announced plans to cancel approximately 170 flights on Friday, while American Airlines aimed to reduce 220 daily flights through Monday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated that the reductions would start at 4% and increase to 10% by November 14, affecting all commercial airlines between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 7, 7:38 a.m.

Why are flights being canceled?

The FAA is imposing the flight reductions to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the government shutdown. The agency has already been delaying flights at times when airports or other FAA facilities are short on controllers.

The aviation safety agency said the cuts will keep airspace safe during the government shutdown, which is now the longest on record.

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1. Most work mandatory overtime six days a week, leaving little time for side jobs to help cover bills and other expenses unless they call out.

Mounting staffing pressures are forcing the agency to act, FAA administrator Bryan Bedford said Wednesday at a news conference.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bedford said Wednesday. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.”

“We can’t ignore it,” he said, adding that even if the shutdown ends before Friday, the FAA wouldn’t automatically resume normal operations until staffing improves and stabilizes.

Friday, Nov. 7, 6:25 a.m.

FAA flight reductions began to take effect Friday, with more than 800 flights canceled nationwide as of 6 a.m. ET, according to FlightAware.

The live flight tracker does not provide reasons for delays or cancellations, so some of the affected flights may not be due to FAA flight reductions.