FAA Mandates Flight Reductions to Alleviate Air Traffic Controller Burden Amidst Shutdown

Fri Dec 05 2025 07:17:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to an ongoing government shutdown, the FAA has directed airlines to reduce their flight schedules by 10% across 40 major U.S. airports to ensure air traffic safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is temporarily mandating a 10% reduction in flights at 40 of the busiest airports in the U.S., starting Friday. This decision aims to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers due to the ongoing government shutdown and maintain safety in air travel. Affected airports include major hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and Los Angeles International. Travelers are advised to consult their airlines regarding potential flight changes.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is enforcing a significant flight reduction across the United States in response to the ongoing government shutdown, stating that airlines must cut 10% of their flights at 40 of the busiest airports to ease the workload on air traffic controllers and ensure that flying remains safe.

This reduction is set to start on Friday and affects numerous major airports including:<\/p>

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Georgia<\/li>
Los Angeles International (LAX), California<\/li>
Denver International, Colorado<\/li>
Newark Liberty International, New Jersey<\/li>
O'Hare International, Illinois<\/li>
Miami International, Florida<\/li>
San Francisco International, California<\/li>
Seattle/Tacoma International, Washington<\/li>
Philadelphia International, Pennsylvania<\/li>
George Bush Houston Intercontinental, Texas<\/li>
And many more<\/li>

Travelers are encouraged to check directly with their airlines for updates regarding any potential flight cancellations or changes to their schedules as the FAA's flight reduction measures take effect. This initiative is primarily aimed at maintaining air travel safety amidst staffing challenges caused by the shutdown.