The federal government shutdown has prompted an order to cut air-traffic schedules, leading to more than 1,000 flight cancellations and widespread delays at major U.S. airports. Reductions affect 40 airports and are being phased in from about 4% to as much as 10% if the funding lapse continues. Airlines have announced hundreds of additional cancellations, and officials warn disruptions could worsen ahead of Thanksgiving while insisting air travel remains safe.
Over 1,000 U.S. Flights Canceled as Shutdown Forces Air-Traffic Cuts at Major Hubs
The federal government shutdown has prompted an order to cut air-traffic schedules, leading to more than 1,000 flight cancellations and widespread delays at major U.S. airports. Reductions affect 40 airports and are being phased in from about 4% to as much as 10% if the funding lapse continues. Airlines have announced hundreds of additional cancellations, and officials warn disruptions could worsen ahead of Thanksgiving while insisting air travel remains safe.
20:33, 08.11.2025Politics
Over 1,000 U.S. Flights Canceled as Shutdown Forces Air-Traffic Cuts
More than 1,000 flights were canceled across the United States on Friday after the Trump administration ordered reductions to ease pressure on air traffic controllers working without pay amid a federal government shutdown. Forty airports are affected, including major hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles.
Scope and timeline
The administration said the reductions would be phased in, beginning at roughly 4% and rising to about 10% next week if Congress does not pass a funding deal. Tracking site FlightAware reported that more than 1,000 flights scheduled for Friday were canceled. FlightAware data also showed more than 6,800 U.S. flights were delayed on Thursday, with roughly 200 cancellations.
Most affected airports and delays
Late Friday, the airports showing the heaviest disruption were Reagan National (Washington), Denver International and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, according to data analyzed by AFP. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported average delays of about four hours at Reagan National, 90 minutes in Phoenix and about one hour in Chicago and San Francisco.
Impact on travelers
The cuts are striking just weeks before the Thanksgiving travel period, worrying passengers and families making holiday plans. Retiree Werner Buchi told AFP at LaGuardia:
"This will get serious if things drag on to Thanksgiving."Another traveler said the shutdown was "hurting a lot of people" as schedules become less certain.
Airlines' responses
Airlines reported hundreds of cancellations: American Airlines said its planned reductions amounted to about 220 canceled flights per day. Delta Air Lines reported cutting roughly 170 flights scheduled for Friday, while Southwest canceled about 100 flights that day, CNN reported.
Officials' statements
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged lawmakers to resolve the impasse and sought to reassure the public that flying remains safe. "It's safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking," he said on social media. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom told CNBC:
"This is frustrating. We don't need to be in this position."President Donald Trump also urged senators to stay in Washington until an agreement is reached.
Staffing and safety concerns
Many federal employees, including air-traffic controllers and other aviation workers, are either working without pay or furloughed. Reports indicate some staff in high-stress roles are calling in sick or taking second jobs to make ends meet, raising concerns about staffing strain even as officials emphasize safety precautions.
Bottom line: The shutdown's disruption to air travel is already tangible, with cancellations and long delays at major airports. If funding talks remain stalled, travel complications could intensify as the holiday season approaches.