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Longest U.S. Government Shutdown Disrupts Air Travel, Hundreds of Flights Canceled
America’s longest-ever government shutdown has hit the skies — FAA cuts flights at 40 major airports as unpaid controllers warn of safety risks.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-07
Longest U.S. Government Shutdown Disrupts Air Travel, Hundreds of Flights Canceled

The United States is facing severe disruption to its aviation system as the longest government shutdown in the country’s history forces the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to scale back operations and airlines to cancel hundreds of flights.

According to an emergency order issued by the FAA, the number of flights at 40 major U.S. airports will be reduced by 4% starting Friday, with potential cuts rising to 10% if the shutdown extends into next week.

Several major airlines have already canceled hundreds of flights scheduled for Friday and Saturday, citing operational challenges and staffing shortages caused by the ongoing shutdown.

FAA Administrator Brian Bedford said the flight reductions would be limited to the busiest airports in the country to minimize disruption to smaller regions.

“The priority is safety. While we recognize the inconvenience to passengers, this measure ensures operational stability under current constraints,” Bedford stated.

The FAA directive outlines a gradual scaling of flight reductions: 4% from Friday, 6% from Tuesday, 8% from Thursday, and 10% by next Friday if the government shutdown continues. Airlines have been granted discretion to decide which flights to cancel or postpone.

The shutdown, which began on October 1, has now become the longest in U.S. history, leaving thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers, without pay.

Although controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff are classified as essential workers and must continue reporting for duty, the prolonged lack of pay is taking a toll.

Union leaders have warned of rising stress levels and potential safety risks, saying the financial strain on workers could impair focus and morale. “We’re working under immense pressure with no pay. That’s not sustainable,” one air traffic controller told local media.

The FAA, however, maintains that the temporary flight reductions are designed to “preserve safety standards” and prevent overburdening critical staff.

The Trump administration has not yet announced any timeline for resolving the funding impasse that triggered the shutdown. Analysts warn that if it continues, the economic and logistical fallout for airlines, airports, and passengers could be unprecedented.

 
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USShutdown

AviationCrisis

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