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The Trump administration will begin cutting air traffic by 10 percent at 40 major U.S. airports starting Friday, unless a deal can be reached to end the record-breaking government shutdown. The move is expected to disrupt thousands of flights and intensify political tensions in Washington.

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Nov 06, 2025 at 02:18 PM EST

American Airlines to cut flights amid shutdown, urges swift resolution

American Airlines announced Thursday that it will begin reducing flight schedules starting Friday, Nov. 7, following FAA directives prompted by staffing shortages tied to the ongoing government shutdown. Flights scheduled for Thursday will operate as planned.

While most travel is expected to proceed without disruption, the airline said long-haul international routes will remain intact. Impacted customers will be contacted directly and offered penalty-free changes or refunds.

In its statement to Newsweek, the airline called on Washington to resolve the shutdown immediately and expressed gratitude to unpaid federal workers keeping air travel operational. “Disrupting customers’ plans is the last thing we want to do,” the company said.

American Airlines told Newsweek in a shared statement:

Due to the ongoing government shutdown and nationwide air traffic control staffing shortages, the FAA has directed airlines to reduce flight schedules to continue to maintain safe airspace operations beginning Friday, Nov. 7. Flights on Thursday, Nov. 6, will operate as planned.

We expect the vast majority of our customers’ travel will be unaffected, and long-haul international travel will remain as scheduled. As schedule changes are made, we’ll proactively reach out to customers who are impacted. As always, we encourage all customers to check their flight status on aa.com or the mobile app, which will provide real-time updates.

Disrupting customers’ plans is the last thing we want to do. To provide additional flexibility during the impacted travel period, customers whose flights are cancelled for any reason or who choose not to travel will be able to change their flight or request a refund, without any penalty.

In the meantime, we continue to urge leaders in Washington to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown. We remain grateful to the air traffic controllers, TSA officers, CBP officers and other federal employees who are working right now without pay — all to get our customers where they need to be safely — as well as our American Airlines team members who always work to take the best care of our customers.

Nov 06, 2025 at 02:05 PM EST

List of highest-traffic airports that would be affected by cancellations

Here is a list of major airports that could be affected by air traffic reductions:

Nov 06, 2025 at 01:52 PM EST

Current shutdown surpasses historic records as longest in U.S. history

The ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, under President Donald Trump's second term, has now stretched to 37 days, making it the longest in U.S. history. It surpasses the previous record set during Trump's first term in 2018–2019, which lasted 35 days and centered on funding for border wall expansion.

Other major shutdowns include the 21-day standoff in 1995–1996 under President Bill Clinton, driven by disputes over budget cuts and Medicare reform. While past shutdowns caused significant disruption, economists say the current lapse is likely the most damaging, with millions of Americans missing paychecks and federal services stalled.

The shutdown has halted SNAP benefits, delayed air travel, and left 1.4 million federal employees unpaid. Even if resolved soon, experts warn the ripple effects could persist for months.

Nov 06, 2025 at 01:39 PM EST

Democrats divided on shutdown strategy after election wins

Senate Democrats appeared energized on Wednesday following strong election results, but internal divisions emerged over how to resolve the ongoing government shutdown. While progressives pushed to hold the line on demands to extend health insurance tax credits, moderates signaled openness to a compromise.

A potential deal under discussion would pair government funding with a future vote on the tax credits. Sen. Bernie Sanders warned against accepting a vote without a firm GOP commitment to passage, calling it both a policy and political misstep.

Bipartisan negotiations continued behind closed doors. Sen. Mike Rounds, a Republican involved in the talks, expressed cautious optimism, suggesting Democrats may want to “run a victory lap” before agreeing to reopen the government.

Nov 06, 2025 at 01:26 PM EST

Thune says Senate may stay through weekend as shutdown talks continue

Sen. John Thune signaled Thursday that the Senate could remain in session through the weekend if negotiations show progress toward ending the government shutdown. “All options are on the table,” he said, noting that a vote could happen as early as today.

The current proposal ties reopening the government to a package of three appropriations bills, with a future vote promised on extending health care tax credits. Thune emphasized that while he can’t guarantee passage of the ACA provisions, he can guarantee Democrats a process.

“This hostage-taking has got to stop,” Thune said, urging bipartisan cooperation. He expressed hope that centrist Democrats would break the impasse, despite pressure from the party’s left flank. “We’ll see if they hold sway today,” he added.

Nov 06, 2025 at 01:13 PM EST

Speaker Johnson casts doubt on shutdown resolution, blames Senate Democrats

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 06: U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a news conference with the House Republican leadership on reopening the government at the U.S. Capitol on November 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. Today marks Day 37 of the government shutdown. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday that the House could reconvene quickly if the Senate reaches a deal to extend government funding, but expressed growing pessimism about an imminent resolution.

“We can get everybody back quick,” Johnson told reporters, noting the House could vote before the weekend if the Senate acts. While the House has already passed a continuing resolution through Nov. 21, the Senate’s proposed changes would require fresh House approval.

Johnson accused Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of pulling centrist Democrats away from bipartisan talks, calling it a “great disappointment.” He placed blame squarely on Senate Democrats for the shutdown’s impact, saying Americans missing flights and paychecks “need to know” who’s responsible.

“We are ready to reopen the government,” Johnson said. “We are begging them to do it.”

Nov 06, 2025 at 01:06 PM EST

WATCH: Massive lines at Houston airports as TSA stretched thin amid shutdown

Nov 06, 2025 at 01:04 PM EST

When was the last longest government shutdown?

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history occurred from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, during President Donald Trump's first term. The 35-day standoff stemmed from a dispute over $5.7 billion in proposed funding for a U.S.–Mexico border wall, which Democrats opposed in favor of alternative security measures.

The shutdown began after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution that included funding for the wall. Following the 2018 midterm elections, Democrats gained control of the House and continued to block funding proposals. Despite televised appeals and negotiations, the impasse persisted.

The shutdown affected roughly 800,000 federal workers, disrupted airport operations, delayed tax refunds, and cost the government an estimated $5 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. It ended when both chambers of Congress approved a short-term funding bill, which Trump signed amid mounting safety concerns and flight delays caused by air traffic controller absences.

Nov 06, 2025 at 01:00 PM EST

Holiday travel delays likely even after shutdown ends, air traffic union warns

Travelers should brace for continued disruptions even if the government reopens immediately, according to Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. He warned that the shutdown’s effects will linger well into the holiday season.

“It will take us months to come out of all the impacts,” Daniels said, noting that staffing shortages and operational slowdowns will likely cause delays around Thanksgiving.

“There were delays before the shutdown. There’s obviously delays during the shutdown. There’s going to be delays after the shutdown,” he added, underscoring the long-term strain on the aviation system.

Nov 06, 2025 at 12:47 PM EST

Shutdown pushes air traffic controllers to breaking point, union warns

Air traffic controllers are facing mounting strain as the government shutdown stretches into its sixth week, according to National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels. He told CNN that resignations are rising daily and the workforce is now 400 controllers short—worse than during the 2019 shutdown.

The Department of Transportation plans to cut air traffic by 10% at 40 major airports starting Friday if no deal is reached, a move Daniels said is necessary to reduce safety risks. He praised officials for scaling back flight volume to help remaining staff manage workloads.

Still, Daniels described a growing sense of “hopelessness” among controllers, many of whom are calling out due to financial hardship. “They’re not protesting,” he said. “They’re dealing with real-life situations—no gas, no childcare, no pay for 37 days.”

Even if the shutdown ends soon, Daniels warned it could take months for workers to receive back pay, compounding the stress on an already strained system.

Nov 06, 2025 at 12:34 PM EST

Jeffries links FAA staffing issues to pre-shutdown layoffs, urges action

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration may stem from layoffs that occurred before the current government shutdown. He called for a full briefing to assess the impact of administrative decisions on aviation safety.

Jeffries criticized House Republicans for being absent during critical negotiations, saying their extended recess has made it “impossible” to hold necessary briefings. He also urged a swift reopening of the government through bipartisan agreement, emphasizing the need to restore services and address rising costs.

“The American people are struggling with affordability,” Jeffries said, pointing to recent election results as a rebuke of Republican leadership.

Nov 06, 2025 at 12:21 PM EST

Senators push for ACA vote as shutdown talks intensify

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said Thursday that bipartisan negotiations to end the government shutdown remain “productive,” emphasizing the urgency of restoring SNAP benefits and federal paychecks. She also called for action on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, warning that failure to do so could leave Americans without coverage.

Shaheen criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for refusing to commit to a vote on the ACA credits, saying, “If he doesn’t understand that people can’t afford their health insurance rates, then he’s got a problem.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal echoed the concern, calling the promise of a future vote “a mistake” and warning Democrats not to settle without concrete legislative progress.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he’s watching closely to see if centrist Democrats will break the impasse. He met on Wednesday with Shaheen and Sen. Angus King, and said the Senate could remain in session through the weekend if a path to a vote emerges.

Nov 06, 2025 at 12:02 PM EST

Flight delays mount as FAA implements shutdown-driven reductions

More than 1,000 flights across the U.S. faced delays Thursday morning as the government shutdown continues to disrupt air travel. According to FlightAware, 1,094 flights were delayed and 49 were canceled by 9:30 a.m. ET.

The Federal Aviation Administration has begun reducing air traffic capacity at 40 major airports, prompting airlines to revise policies and alert passengers to possible itinerary changes.

Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle advised travelers on Instagram to book backup tickets if flying within the next 10 days, warning of potential disruptions. “If you need to be there or don’t want to be stranded,” Biffle wrote, “I highly recommend booking a backup ticket on another carrier.”

Nov 06, 2025 at 11:49 AM EST

Greene blasts House leadership over shutdown inaction

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized House leaders Tuesday for failing to hold sessions during the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history. Speaking to CNN, the Georgia Republican said the House has not met since mid-September, calling the inaction “an utter failure.”

“You can’t expect people to show up and be passionate about voting for you when you’re not even going to work,” Greene said, pointing to the struggles of everyday Americans during the shutdown.

Greene also voiced support for former President Donald Trump’s call to eliminate the Senate filibuster to end the impasse. She said she urged Trump to pursue the “nuclear option” weeks ago, arguing that both parties share responsibility for the funding lapse.

Nov 06, 2025 at 11:48 AM EST

Sean Duffy says flight cuts are necessary ‘to keep airspace safe’

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday that the ten percent reduction in air traffic would lead to some flight cancellations but told reporters they were required to “alleviate the pressure” on air traffic controllers.

"We are going to proactively make decisions to keep the airspace safe," he added.

The shutdown has led to staffing shortages as air traffic controllers have been calling out during the shutdown where they have been working unpaid. That has led to delays and flight cancelations across the country. "We can’t ignore it," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Nov 06, 2025 at 11:38 AM EST

Airline lobby group working to mitigate flight cuts impact on passengers

Airlines for America, a trade association and lobbying group, said that it is working with the Trump administration to help mitigate the Federal Aviation Administration's cuts to flight amid the government shutdown.

The FAA announced Wednesday that it will reduce flights by ten percent across 40 “high-volume” airports to maintain safety during the ongoing government shutdown. The shutdown, which has stretched into its record-breaking 36th day, has led to staffing shortages as air traffic controllers have been calling out during the shutdown where they have been working unpaid. That has led to delays and flight cancelations across the country.

"We are working with the federal government to understand all details of the new reduction mandate and will strive to mitigate impacts to passengers and shippers," Airlines for America said.

Nov 06, 2025 at 11:36 AM EST

Speaker Johnson casts doubt on ACA vote amid shutdown talks

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday he would not commit to holding a vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, even if Senate Republicans agree to one as part of a deal to end the government shutdown.

“No, because we did our job and I’m not part of the negotiations,” Johnson told reporters, adding, “I’m not promising anybody anything.”

His comments highlight Democratic concerns that any Senate agreement on health care may stall in the House, potentially derailing broader negotiations. Johnson also expressed growing pessimism about the state of the talks, blaming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for pulling centrist Democrats out of bipartisan discussions.

“I’m less optimistic this morning than I was yesterday,” Johnson said, citing stalled progress and deepening partisan divides.

Nov 06, 2025 at 11:15 AM EST

Delta, American say most flights will proceed despite FAA cuts

Delta Air Lines and American Airlines announced Thursday that the majority of their scheduled flights will continue as planned, despite the FAA’s directive to reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports starting Friday.

Delta confirmed it is complying with the federal order but expects to maintain nearly all of its operations, including long-haul international service. The airline is offering flexible options for all passengers, allowing changes, cancellations, or refunds without penalty—even for basic economy fares.

American Airlines echoed the message, stating it is still awaiting final details from the FAA but anticipates minimal disruption for most travelers. The carrier said it will contact affected customers directly as schedule adjustments are finalized.

Both airlines emphasized their commitment to safety and to minimizing passenger inconvenience during the flight reductions related to the shutdown.

Nov 06, 2025 at 11:02 AM EST

Delta and United waive change fees ahead of FAA flight cuts

Name tag on Delta Air Lines crew

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As the FAA prepares to reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports starting Friday, Delta and United Airlines are waiving change and cancellation fees for affected travelers. The move comes amid growing concerns over delays and disruptions caused by staffing shortages during the ongoing government shutdown.

Delta announced passengers can cancel, change, or refund their flights without penalty, including those holding basic economy tickets. United CEO Scott Kirby echoed the policy in a letter to employees, stating that all customers traveling during the affected period are eligible for refunds—even if their flights remain operational.

Southwest and American Airlines said they are monitoring the situation and may issue similar waivers as more details emerge. The FAA has not yet released the full list of impacted airports, but travelers are advised to check flight status and airline policies before heading to the airport.

Nov 06, 2025 at 10:48 AM EST

NTSB leaders endorse FAA’s flight cuts amid shutdown strain

Top officials at the National Transportation Safety Board are backing the FAA’s decision to reduce air traffic by 10% at major airports, citing growing pressure on the aviation system amid the government shutdown.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy praised Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s move in a post early Thursday, calling it “the very foundation of our aviation system” and “the right thing to do.” She warned that operational stress is mounting across the national airspace.

Board member Michael Graham echoed the sentiment, commending the FAA for proactively monitoring performance data and acting to preserve safety. “I am glad to see FAA following their established processes,” he wrote.

The FAA’s phased flight reductions are set to begin Friday if the shutdown remains unresolved, targeting 40 high-volume airports to ease strain on unpaid air traffic controllers.

Nov 06, 2025 at 10:35 AM EST

Sen. Katie Britt backs Trump’s filibuster push amid shutdown talks

Senator Katie Britt of Alabama said Wednesday that while she continues bipartisan efforts to end the government shutdown, she finds President Donald Trump’s call to eliminate the Senate filibuster “compelling.” Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Britt said Trump laid out a strong case for bypassing the 60-vote threshold to pass legislation with a simple majority.

“He talked about what is in front of us and what we need to do for the American people,” Britt said, referencing Trump’s recent meeting with Senate Republicans.

Trump has urged lawmakers to consider the “nuclear option” to break the impasse, which has left federal workers unpaid and critical services unfunded for weeks. Britt acknowledged that Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the votes aren’t currently there to end the filibuster, but added, “we do have pathways that we can pursue that ultimately help us achieve his goal.”

Britt said she is working across the aisle to secure funding for food assistance, military and veteran services, and Capitol Police salaries as negotiations continue.

Nov 06, 2025 at 10:32 AM EST

How has Los Angeles International Airport been affected during the government shutdown?

Los Angeles International Airport is feeling the strain of the ongoing government shutdown, with staffing shortages among air traffic controllers slowing arrivals and triggering delays. Travel experts warn that if conditions persist, Thanksgiving week could become one of the most disrupted holiday travel periods in recent memory.

On Tuesday, passengers arrived hours early to navigate long lines and brace for potential delays. “I came in extra early because of the shortage,” one traveler told CBS LA. “I’m just like, please don’t have any delays.”

The FAA confirmed that at least eight control facilities nationwide are understaffed, affecting traffic into Southern California, Dallas, and Austin. Over the weekend, delays at LAX and San Diego averaged more than an hour, with nearly 100 staffing triggers logged—marking the worst operational strain since the shutdown began.

The U.S. Travel Association estimates the shutdown could cost the travel economy up to $4 billion if it continues through Thanksgiving. Airlines at LAX are preparing for record crowds, but officials warn that without improved staffing, travelers should expect longer lines, rolling delays, and last-minute cancellations.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said delays are likely to worsen, urging passengers to arrive early, monitor flight updates, and hope for a swift resolution to the shutdown.

Nov 06, 2025 at 10:19 AM EST

How has Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport been affected during the government shutdown?

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday it will begin reducing air traffic at major U.S. airports starting Friday, as the government shutdown continues into its sixth week. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—consistently ranked the world’s busiest—is expected to be among the 40 high-volume hubs affected.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency could no longer ignore the mounting strain on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the shutdown began. “When we see pressures building in these 40 markets, we just can’t ignore it,” he said.

According to reports, the phased cuts will begin with a 4% reduction Friday, increasing to 5% and 6% over the weekend, and peaking at 10% next week. International flights are expected to be exempt.

Atlanta has already seen severe delays, with wait times nearing 100 minutes last weekend. Delta Air Lines attributed the disruptions to staffing shortages in air traffic control.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the cuts could be reversed if Congress reaches a deal to reopen the government. Bipartisan negotiations are reportedly underway, with lawmakers exploring a short-term funding package to end the impasse.

Nov 06, 2025 at 09:59 AM EST

How has Dallas-Forth Worth Airport been affected by the government shutdown?

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is facing mounting disruptions as the federal government shutdown continues to strain staffing levels among air traffic controllers and TSA agents. The FAA has announced plans to reduce air traffic capacity by 10% at DFW and 39 other major airports to ease pressure on the system.

DFW reported 825 flight delays and 6 cancellations on a single day this week, with ground delays issued multiple times. The staffing shortages—worsened by the shutdown—have led to longer wait times at security checkpoints and unpredictable flight schedules.

The FAA’s capacity reduction plan aims to stabilize operations, but travelers at DFW should expect continued delays and limited flight availability in the coming days. The airport remains on the preliminary list of high-volume hubs targeted for cuts as officials work to maintain safety amid reduced staffing.

Nov 06, 2025 at 09:51 AM EST

Air traffic controllers, government workers go without pay during government shutdown

As the government shutdown enters its sixth week, air traffic controllers across the country are working without pay, facing mounting financial and emotional strain. Staffing shortages have triggered widespread delays, with nearly 4,000 flights disrupted on Halloween alone—one of the most chaotic travel days since the shutdown began.

Controllers say morale is plummeting. Many are calling out sick, taking second jobs, or relying on credit union loans to cover basic expenses. “People are fed up,” said one controller based in the Midwest. “Some are choosing to spend time with their families instead of working for free.”

The FAA has announced a 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 high-volume airports to ease pressure on the system, but officials warn that more drastic measures may follow. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said closures of parts of the national airspace are possible if staffing continues to deteriorate.

Controllers describe a growing safety risk as fewer certified staff are available to manage complex operations. One New York-area controller said they were the only certified worker on duty during a recent storm, relying on trainees to help coordinate traffic.

Nov 06, 2025 at 09:45 AM EST

Should you fly during the government shutdown? What to know

As the federal government shutdown stretches past 34 days, the aviation system is showing signs of stress. Air traffic controllers and TSA agents, required to work without pay, are increasingly absent or taking second jobs, leading to widespread delays and long security lines at major airports.

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, warned that each day without pay adds risk to the system. “We’re supposed to be 100%, 100% of the time,” he said. “I’m going to work right now, and I’m thinking about how do I pay my rent.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the delays, saying they’re a deliberate measure to ease pressure on the reduced workforce. “If we thought it was unsafe, we’d shut the whole airspace down,” he said.

Experts say safety remains intact, but predictability is suffering. Erik Hansen of the U.S. Travel Association noted that while the system won’t compromise safety, travelers can no longer count on timely arrivals.

Staffing shortages have hit airports in Chicago, Denver, Houston, and Newark, with Houston’s Bush Intercontinental warning of three-hour TSA wait times. Former TSA official Keith Jeffries said flying remains safe but expects a “domino effect” of delays as frontline workers face financial strain.

Nov 06, 2025 at 09:39 AM EST

How has the government shutdown impacted air travel?

Nearly 3,900 flight delays and more than 170 cancellations were reported across U.S. airports on Wednesday, as the government shutdown continues to strain the nation’s air traffic system. Officials say the disruptions stem from mounting pressure on air traffic controllers, many of whom are working without pay.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the remaining staff are stretched thin, working extended hours and additional days to compensate for absent colleagues. “We want to alleviate that pressure before it becomes an issue,” he said, defending the administration’s plan to reduce scheduled flights.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford echoed the concern, citing internal performance data that suggests fatigue is beginning to affect operations. “We need to work towards relieving some of that pressure,” he told reporters.

The flight cuts, expected to begin Friday, are part of a broader effort to maintain safety and prevent further breakdowns in the system as the shutdown enters its sixth week.

Nov 06, 2025 at 09:34 AM EST

Which airports are impacted by FAA, Trump admin’s air traffic cuts?

Federal officials have confirmed plans to reduce air traffic at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, though the specific locations have not yet been disclosed. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Wednesday the cuts would not target individual airlines, but rather high-traffic markets identified by the agency.

“We’ve identified 40 high-traffic environment markets,” Bedford said. “We’ll be happy to share that later.”

According to FAA data, the top 40 airports in 2024 each handled more than 5 million passengers. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson led with 52.5 million, followed by Dallas-Fort Worth with 42.3 million and Denver International with 40 million. Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles International, and New York’s JFK each served over 25 million.

Flight delays and cancellations have already mounted this week. Hartsfield-Jackson reported 762 delays and 20 cancellations, Dallas-Fort Worth logged 825 delays and six cancellations, and Denver saw 594 delays and 12 cancellations, per Flight Aware.

Bedford said the FAA will begin implementing a 10 percent reduction in scheduled capacity to ease pressure on air traffic controllers, with further cuts possible if staffing issues persist. Duffy added that the duration of the reductions will depend on ongoing data analysis by the FAA andthe Department of Transportation.

Nov 06, 2025 at 09:31 AM EST

FAA makes air traffic cuts, causing airport delays and cancellations

Flight information, arrival and departure board. Flights check in, baording, last call, gate closed. Airport, tourism, business, device screen, travel destianation. 3D illustration

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The Trump administration announced Wednesday it will cut 10 percent of air traffic at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, citing mounting strain on unpaid air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown. The reductions, set to begin Friday and ramp up through next week, are expected to force airlines to cancel thousands of flights and disrupt travel plans for hundreds of thousands of passengers.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the move aims to “alleviate the pressure” on controllers, who have not received a paycheck since mid-October. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford warned of “radical reduction” across key markets if staffing continues to deteriorate.

Major airlines are working with the FAA to assess the impact, though many have yet to adjust schedules. United Airlines said its long-haul and hub-to-hub flights will remain unaffected, with cuts focused on regional and domestic routes.

The FAA has reported staffing shortages at half of the 30 busiest airports, including all three in New York and Washington, D.C. Analysts say the disruption could ripple across the economy, with delays affecting cargo, commerce, and medical transport.

Democrats have demanded transparency on the safety data behind the decision, while Republicans argue the move underscores the urgency of ending the shutdown. The FAA is expected to release the list of affected markets Thursday.

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