The ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history at over 36 days, is prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to announce significant flight reductions amid mounting concerns over stretched air traffic control resources. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed that starting Friday, flight capacity will be cut by 10% across 40 major U.S. airports to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the shutdown began.
This phased reduction will begin at 4% and increase to 10% over the course of the next week, potentially causing thousands of daily flight cancellations. Major airports in cities such as New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles are among those affected, with airlines already preparing to adjust schedules. United Airlines has offered refunds for affected travelers, and other carriers are communicating proactively with passengers impacted by the changes.
The administration and FAA emphasize that safety remains the top priority and that these reductions are necessary due to fatigue and reduced staffing among air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration personnel. With no immediate resolution expected from the stalled Senate negotiations over government funding, these flight cuts add pressure on lawmakers to quickly end the shutdown.
Though discussions continue and there is cautious optimism in some quarters for a possible deal this week, no votes are currently scheduled to advance government funding legislation in the Senate. President Trump has urged Republican senators to end the shutdown and even suggested scrapping the filibuster rule to push forward funding without Democratic support; however, Senate leadership has indicated no sufficient votes exist to change filibuster rules.
As the shutdown drags on, travelers face increasing uncertainty, and the aviation industry braces for growing disruptions.
