U.S. airlines have initiated the cancellation of numerous flights on Thursday in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s actions to reduce air traffic at major U.S. airports due to the ongoing government shutdown. By late Thursday, over 760 flights had been removed from Friday’s airline schedules, as reported by FlightAware, a platform that monitors flight disruptions.
The FAA has identified 40 airports across more than 25 states, including key hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, N.C., where flight reductions will be implemented. The agency’s official order, published Thursday evening, outlines a phased reduction plan starting at four percent on Friday and increasing to 10 percent by Nov. 14. These reductions will be in effect between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time, impacting all commercial airlines.
The primary objective behind the reductions is to ensure safety as air traffic controllers are showing signs of strain during the shutdown. The move coincides with the Trump administration’s efforts to pressure Democrats in Congress to end the shutdown.
Airlines were making last-minute adjustments to accommodate the reductions. American Airlines, for instance, announced a four percent reduction in its schedule at the affected airports from Friday through Monday, equating to about 220 cancellations per day, with plans to reach the 10 percent target progressively. International flights are expected to remain unaffected by the cuts.
In addition to major carriers, a subset of smaller carriers operating scheduled charter flights will also be subject to the restrictions. However, international flights are exempt from these reductions per the FAA guidelines.
Industry analysts anticipate a noticeable impact on the U.S. air transportation system due to these flight reductions. Travellers are advised to consider potential disruptions and plan accordingly, with some airlines offering refunds to passengers who choose not to fly.
The flight reductions, occurring just before the busy holiday season, have prompted concerns among travellers, leading some to adjust their plans or explore alternative travel options. The cuts are expected to affect a significant number of flights and passengers daily, potentially causing disruptions to package deliveries as well.
Despite the challenges posed by the shutdown, airlines are striving to minimize the impact on customers and maintain operational efficiency. The ongoing situation has raised concerns about the sustainability of the U.S. air travel industry and the well-being of federal airport employees working without pay.