US Government Shutdown Disrupts Air Travel Operations

Flight Reductions at Major Airports

The ongoing US government shutdown has resulted in significant disruptions to air travel operations. Starting from November 7, 2025, the US will implement a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports across the country. This measure affects approximately 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Causes and Implications

The reduction is attributed to severe staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown. Specifically, 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are working without pay, leading to operational challenges. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the shutdown has forced these critical personnel to work without compensation, necessitating the flight reductions to maintain safety standards.

Impact on Major Hubs

While the specific 40 airports affected haven't been officially listed, the reductions are expected to impact some of the busiest airports in the US, including those serving major cities like New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas. The aviation industry is bracing for significant operational challenges as this situation continues to unfold.