Flight Cuts Intensify Amid Ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown

Tue Nov 11 2025 09:31:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Air travelers may face significant disruptions as the FAA mandates increased flight cancellations at major U.S. airports amid the government shutdown. With adverse weather conditions adding to the turmoil, the situation remains precarious for travelers.

Due to staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown, the FAA has directed airlines to increase flight cancellations. On Tuesday, a 6% reduction in flights is expected, with concerns rising over delays exacerbated by winter weather. The operational challenges could persist as air traffic controllers voice growing stress amid uncertain pay. Travelers are increasingly frustrated as many have already experienced significant disruptions.

Air travelers could face even more frustration as busy U.S. airports are required to meet a higher Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) target for reducing flights, following the cancellation of thousands of flights aimed at scaling back demands on the nation's aviation system during the ongoing government shutdown.

Last week, the FAA mandated domestic airlines to reduce 4% of their flights at 40 major U.S. airports, stressing the importance of public safety amidst staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. Over the weekend alone, more than 7,900 flights were canceled, with targets for cuts expected to rise to 6% on Tuesday and 10% by Friday.

Airlines are already exceeding the FAA’s initial cancellation requirements, creating uncertainty about the number of additional flights that will be grounded on Tuesday. Further restrictions have been implemented, barring certain private and business flights from a dozen airports currently experiencing commercial flight limits.

Controller shortages have led to significant delays, with reports indicating that arriving flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport faced delays of up to five hours. The FAA has warned that staffing issues could also affect flights departing for major U.S. cities, including Phoenix, San Diego, New York, and Houston.

Adding to the chaos, freezing weather conditions are expected to potentially exacerbate the number of cancellations and delays.

While legislation was passed on Monday aimed at reopening the government, further delays are anticipated as the bill needs to pass through the House, leaving air traffic operations in a precarious position for the time being. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that flight cuts will remain in effect until staffing levels stabilize across FAA facilities.

With many aircraft not positioned where they should be, airlines are expected to struggle in returning to normal operations even after lifting the flight reduction orders, according to industry experts. As frustrations mount, personal stories of missed events and disrupted schedules reflect the widespread impact of these operational challenges on Americans.