Starting Friday at 12:01 AM ET, the FAA will mandate airlines to slash 10% of scheduled flights at the 40 busiest U.S. airports. the FAA will do it for them. This marks the first nationwide capacity reduction since the 2019 shutdown, and it’s going to impact millions of travelers. So as you prepare for weekend travel or maybe even holiday travel know that many airports are going to be reducing flights, cancelling flights, and planes are going to be extremely full.
Why Is This Happening?
The move comes after a 35-day government shutdown left 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers unpaid, triggering massive staffing shortages. Just yesterday, New York airports saw 80% call-outs, pushing the system into what officials call the “unsafe skies” red line. To maintain safety, the FAA is stepping in with mandatory cuts. We are already seeing delays nationwide and as more staff continue to go without pay, it’s only going to get worse.
What Airports are Affected?
An inside source has sent me notice that the The FAA has divided airports into two tiers for the reduction in compacity. It’s going to require more cuts than most of us initially thought.
- Tier 1 (20% cut of flights):
New York City (JFK, LGA, EWR), Washington DC (DCA, IAD), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD, MDW), San Francisco (SFO), Philadelphia (PHL) - Tier 2 (10% cut):
The rest of the top 40 airports including ATL, DFW, DEN, LAX, LAS, PHX, SEA, MIA, CLT, MSP, IAH, SLC, SAN, PDX, and more.
What This Means for You
To put it simple, lots of flights delays and cancellations. Over the coming days and weeks, until the government is back up and running, expect delays and cancellations. Airlines will likely consolidate flights, so rebooking could be tough. If traveling, arrive early. TSA staffing shortages mean longer security lines. When you’re traveling, check your flight status often. Use airline apps and sign up for alerts. And finally, consider alternate airports. Smaller regional airports may be less affected. If your flight is canceled, consider asking to be booked to a nearby airport. Regardless, these cuts are going to hurt.
Bottom Line
The ongoing government shutdown is affecting air travel and it’s going to be a major disruption as it continues on. The changes are happening fast. If you’re flying through any of these airports in the coming days or weeks, or really anywhere to, from, or within the United States, know that flexibility is key. Airline delays due to Air traffic Control are out of the airlines control. They do not have to house you, feed you, or even reroutes you. Bring your patience and remember, everyone working who keeps airports and the skies safe are not being paid. Have backup plans and monitor updates closely. More importantly, good luck!
