FAA shutdown cuts are already hitting travelers, and more are coming

FAA shutdown cuts are already hitting travelers, and more are coming

U.S. airlines started canceling hundreds of flights on Friday, hours after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered the cuts amid the more-than-monthlong government shutdown. The reductions were ordered as air traffic controllers have missed their paychecks, and the FAA’s order said the flight cuts would rise from 4% on Friday to 6% by Tuesday, 8% by Thursday, and 10% by Nov. 14.

The disruption was already spreading across major airports, with staffing shortages delaying flights at several major U.S. airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. The Department of Transportation warned that cancellations could ramp up.

Gobble's Take: When the flight cuts start climbing, travelers need a backup plan. Source: CNBC

Flight delays and cancellations persist as House prepares to vote on shutdown deal

Flight delays and cancellations across the country persisted on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, as the U.S. House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on a bipartisan bill to end the record-setting government shutdown. Air traffic control staffing shortages and severe weather have driven tens of thousands of cancellations and delays since the shutdown began on October 1. The FAA ordered flight reductions at 40 major airports starting November 7 due to staffing issues, and the required cut percentage was expected to climb to 8% on Thursday and 10% on Friday.

As of Wednesday morning, FlightAware data showed more than 880 cancellations and 720 delays for flights within, into, or out of the United States — the lowest number of cancellations since the cuts began. Southwest Airlines cut 145 flights Wednesday to meet FAA requirements. Delta Air Lines said it completed planned cancellations through Thursday and expected to "operate the vast majority" of its flight schedule, though it warned additional delays and cancellations may be necessary if air traffic control constraints continue. Some airlines told Reuters they believe the FAA may reduce Thursday's planned 8% cut to 6%.

Experts warned that disruptions will persist even after the government reopens. "I would expect really bumpy operations and pretty brutal travel experiences, at least throughout the week," said Tiffany Funk, co-founder and president of point.me. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also warned of worsening conditions if the House failed to act quickly.

Gobble's Take: "Operate the vast majority" still leaves plenty of room for a ruined trip.

Source: USA Today

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