Fri Nov 07 12:06:51 UTC 2025: US Flight Chaos: Mass Cancellations Hit 40 Airports Due to Government Shutdown
Washington D.C. – Thousands of travelers are facing disruption as major US airlines cancel domestic flights following a government order to reduce schedules. The move is a direct result of the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in history, which has left air traffic controllers and other essential aviation staff working without pay.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a phased-in reduction plan, requiring airlines to cut 4% of domestic flights starting Friday, increasing to 10% by November 14th. Aviation analytics firm Cirium estimates about 1,800 flights are being cancelled, a reduction of 268,000 seats.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cited safety concerns as the reason for the decision, stating the reduction is necessary to alleviate “building risk in the system” as controllers continue working without pay. He emphasized that the decision was not politically motivated. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford echoed this sentiment, saying the agency would “not hesitate to take further action” to alleviate pressure on workers.
Forty of the nation’s busiest airports are affected. While the exact flights impacted remain unclear, experts suggest less full flights to smaller cities are most likely to be axed. Airlines like Alaska Airlines are focusing cancellations on high-frequency routes to minimize disruption. The Department of Transportation will require airlines to issue full refunds for cancelled flights, but secondary costs like accommodation will generally not be covered.
The shutdown, sparked by a Congressional stalemate over healthcare funding, has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers. Experts warn of the impact on fatigue because of staffing issues since controllers have been asked to work six-day workweeks with mandatory overtime.
Passengers at impacted airports expressed frustration and uncertainty. The shutdown is also impacting millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), facing potential delays in benefit distribution.
As the political standoff continues, the duration of the flight cancellations remains unknown, leaving travelers in limbo and highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the ongoing government shutdown.
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