The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday that it will reduce scheduled flights by 10 percent at 40 major U.S. airports beginning Friday morning unless Congress reaches a government shutdown deal.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy disclosed the capacity reductions during a Wednesday press briefing, describing them as a necessary step to alleviate mounting pressure on an air traffic control system strained by controllers working without compensation since October 28. The reduction affects approximately 4,000 flights nationwide.
Since October 28, when controllers missed their second full paycheck, staffing absences have surged dramatically. A CNN analysis revealed over 400 staffing shortages have been reported at FAA facilities since the shutdown began on October 1, more than four times the number recorded during the same period last year.
On the weekend of October 31 through November 2, the FAA recorded 98 staffing trigger alerts across its facilities—instances where controllers had to modify operations to maintain safety with reduced workforces. Halloween weekend proved particularly challenging, with 46 percent of flights delayed due to controller absences.
“Our controllers haven’t been paid in a month,” Duffy said, acknowledging the financial strain forcing some controllers to seek alternative employment. “Many are taking side jobs to put food on the table. I don’t want them to take side jobs—I want them to show up for work—but I understand they’re trying to meet their obligations.”
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford characterized the capacity reductions as “prescriptive” and “surgical,” aimed at preventing broader system failures. The agency plans to meet with airline executives to coordinate schedule adjustments before Friday’s implementation.
“We’re seeing pressures build in a way that, if we allow it to go unchecked, will not allow us to continue to tell the public that we operate the safest airspace system in the world,” Bedford said. “We intend to be proactive.”
The FAA noted that restrictions will extend beyond commercial aviation. The agency will also impose limitations on space launches and general aviation operations in certain markets experiencing severe staffing challenges.
Duffy has warned that conditions will deteriorate significantly if the shutdown extends another week, particularly when controllers miss their second full paycheck.
“You will see mass chaos. You will see mass flight delays. You’ll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace because we just cannot manage it because we don’t have air traffic controllers,” he said.
Airlines for America, the trade association representing the nation’s carriers, expressed alarm at the deteriorating situation. The industry faces particular pressure from approaching holiday travel season in November and December, when passenger volumes typically surge.
The shutdown, which began October 1, has now exceeded 36 days, officially surpassing the previous record of 35 days set during the 2018-2019 shutdown under the first Trump administration. Republicans control the House, Senate and Executive Branch. House Speaker Mike Johnson has kept the House in recess since the government shutdown began on October 1.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that resolution may be near, stating “my intuition suggests we’re nearing an off-ramp here,” though both chambers have failed 14 times to advance shutdown-ending legislation.
The FAA emphasized that these reductions maintain aviation safety standards.
