Airlines have canceled hundreds of Friday flights after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will be reducing air traffic by 10 percent across 40 airports nationwide as the federal government shutdown continues.
Newsweek reached out to the FAA via email on Thursday night for comment.
Why It Matters
The cancellations of flights across the United States mark a significant disruption to the nation’s transportation system, intensifying concerns for both air travel safety and economic stability as the federal government shutdown enters its sixth week.
The FAA’s directive to reduce flight operations at 40 high-traffic airports demonstrates the tangible impact of congressional gridlock on everyday Americans, with experts warning of broader consequences for airlines, workers and travelers—especially as the busy holiday travel season looms.
What To Know
According to Reuters, Delta and United Airlines have begun canceling November 7 flights, following the FAA’s missive. United said it plans to cut 4 percent of flights from Friday through Sunday as Delta plans to cut 170 flights for Friday and less on Saturday.
United said it operates roughly 4,500 flights per day, and, per Reuters, the carrier said the cuts will impact less than 200 flights per day.
The reductions—impacting mostly domestic, regional and mainline flights not operating between major airline hubs—are part of a strategy aiming to relieve pressure on the overstressed national aviation system. Hub-to-hub and long-haul international flights are being prioritized at United, while travelers affected by cancellations are being notified in advance and offered flexible rebooking or refunds.
What People Are Saying
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, on X Thursday: