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US to slash flights at 40 major airports amid air traffic controller shortages
US aviation authorities will reduce flights at 40 of the nation's busiest airports beginning Friday, as a federal government shutdown strains air traffic control operations. The move, announced Thursday by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), could lead to thousands of cancellations as controllers face unpaid leave and staffing shortages.
Why flights are being cut
The FAA cited a surge in air traffic controller absences-many calling in sick or taking secondary employment-amid the ongoing federal shutdown, now the longest in US history. Without a budget resolution, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, including controllers, remain unpaid.
To alleviate pressure, the FAA will implement a phased reduction in flights, starting with a 4% cut on Friday. Reductions will escalate to 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and a full 10% by November 14. International flights are exempt, though airlines may opt to cancel some voluntarily.
Affected airports and airlines' responses
The cuts will impact major hubs, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (the world's busiest, with 108 million passengers in 2024), Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Chicago O'Hare, and Los Angeles International. A full list of affected airports was released Thursday.
In response, US carriers have rolled out flexible rebooking policies. United Airlines will refund all tickets-even non-refundable and basic economy-while waiving fare differences for rebooked flights. Delta and Southwest are offering fee-free changes or refunds through mid-November, with Delta covering fare differences for rebookings by November 16. American Airlines permits penalty-free changes or refunds but has not addressed fare adjustments. Frontier Airlines allows free changes or cancellations but requires customers to pay fare differences.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, in a staff memo obtained by the BBC
What travelers should expect
Passengers flying through affected airports should prepare for delays or cancellations, particularly as reductions ramp up next week. Airlines advise checking flight statuses frequently and leveraging flexible policies to adjust plans. The FAA has not specified how long the cuts will last, though officials hinted at a review if the shutdown persists.
Key dates for reductions
- November 8: 4% flight reduction begins
- November 11: 6% reduction
- November 13: 8% reduction
- November 14: 10% reduction (full implementation)
