The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered U.S. airlines to reduce flights at 40 high-traffic airports, a move prompted by a critical shortage of air traffic controllers. The mandate began with a 4% reduction on Friday and will escalate to 10% by November 14.
This directive aims to address safety concerns during a record-setting government shutdown that has strained staffing. The cuts are expected to impact hundreds of thousands of travellers, with major carriers like American Airlines and Delta proactively cancelling hundreds of flights.
The flight reductions are being implemented in phases. The initial 4% cut increases by two percentage points on the following Tuesday and again the next Thursday, reaching the full 10% reduction.
Air traffic controllers haven’t been paid since Oct. 1. Many are calling out & the workforce is stretched thin, making flying unsafe. Now, the FAA is cutting flights by 4%, ramping up to 10% at 40 major airports. Delays cancellations and 44,000 daily flights are at risk. @MSNBC pic.twitter.com/rpzrneFLFj
— Laura Haefeli (@LauraHaefeli) November 7, 2025When fully in effect, the cuts are estimated to eliminate 1,800 flights and 268,000 airline seats per day. Major hubs across the country are affected, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Los Angeles International (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and John F. Kennedy International (JFK).
Airlines are required to comply or face fines of up to $75,000 per flight that exceeds the limit. The FAA has stated it will ensure the cuts are applied equitably across different regions.
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In response, American Airlines cancelled approximately 220 flights to meet the initial mandate. Delta Air Lines cancelled about 170 flights, and Southwest Airlines cancelled around 120. United Airlines also confirmed it would cut 4% of its schedule.
This action highlights the widespread operational challenges caused by the staffing shortage, leading to one of the most significant coordinated flight reduction efforts in recent years.
