FAA Cuts 10% of US Flights, Airlines Cancel Thousands Amid Government Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration is temporarily reducing U.S. air traffic by up to 10 percent to maintain safety amid staffing shortages during a government shutdown now in its 39th to 40th day.

“PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) --Travelers across the country are facing long waits and mounting frustration as the ripple effects of the ongoing government shutdown continue to hit the nation's travel system”

6abc Philadelphia

This reduction has triggered widespread cancellations and delays ahead of the Thanksgiving travel rush.

6abc Philadelphia

Al Jazeera reports that over 1,530 flights were canceled on a recent Saturday, with delays across at least a dozen major cities.

The BBC states the FAA is cutting flight capacity by up to 10% at 40 major airports due to unpaid, fatigued air traffic controllers missing work during the longest government shutdown in history.

ABC7 San Francisco notes about 35 cancellations at San Francisco International Airport on that Saturday and highlights that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the reductions aim to maintain safety.

6abc Philadelphia emphasizes that U.S. airlines canceled over 1,500 flights because many air traffic controllers and TSA agents are unpaid and calling out sick.

CNN warns that air travel will be drastically reduced ahead of Thanksgiving under the FAA's imposed cuts.

The scale of disruptions continues to mount.

Travel Market Report says there were nearly 2,000 cancellations on Saturday and even more on Sunday.

ABC7 San Francisco

Delta had about 270 cancellations on Sunday, representing 8% of its schedule.

CNN reports United is canceling over 600 flights through November 11.

At the airport level, Atlanta News First counted 320 flights canceled and 356 delayed by noon Sunday at ATL alone.

Both Al Jazeera and ABC7 San Francisco detail the nationwide scope, noting FAA reductions from 4% to 10% and capacity cuts at 40 major airports.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, cited by multiple outlets, has warned cuts could rise to 20% if the shutdown continues.

For travelers, the disruption extends beyond canceled flights to long lines, last-minute rebookings, and even mode shifts.

“The Federal Aviation Administration is temporarily cutting air traffic by 10 percent to maintain safety standards”

Al Jazeera

6abc Philadelphia reports long waits at check-in, security, and baggage claim, and that some passengers choose alternative transportation like trains or buses.

ABC7 San Francisco says airlines are waiving change fees to help travelers adjust plans.

Travel Market Report notes carriers’ flight change waivers, including for Basic Economy tickets, and that Alaska has been canceling 36-40 flights daily while offering refunds and rebooking.

Atlanta News First adds that cuts are affecting both regional and international flights as holiday crowds build.

The cuts are unfolding amid a political stalemate.

The BBC reports senators met in a rare weekend session during a shutdown that has lasted 40 days, the longest in history.

Associated Press

Democrats are seeking health insurance subsidies in any funding bill.

Republicans want funding without additional provisions.

President Trump has suggested sending money directly to Americans for health insurance.

Al Jazeera adds the shutdown stems from disagreements over government spending and health insurance subsidies.

The network notes pressure on lawmakers as travel snarls mount.

CNN widens the lens to broader economic fallout, with the Treasury warning that cargo shipments are slowing.

6abc Philadelphia and ABC7 San Francisco focus on aviation safety and looming holiday disruptions.

The shutdown’s reach extends well beyond airports, compounding holiday season stress.

CNN reports the Agriculture Department ordered states to stop issuing full food stamp benefits and to reverse any full benefits already issued for November.

Atlanta News First

CBS News quotes Maryland’s governor blasting intentional chaos amid delays affecting nearly 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP.

Scripps News notes Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily halted an order related to SNAP benefits, keeping full payments on hold.

The Independent calls it the first such interruption in the program’s 61-year history, with a court battle that saw a district judge order full November payments, a Supreme Court pause, and a later appeals court rejection of the administration’s appeal.

en.econostrum.info highlights a USDA directive warning states that non-compliance could result in the loss of federal funding.

KTUL reports the administration has declined to reimburse states for benefits already sent, leaving some at risk of owing hundreds of millions of dollars.