FAA Increases Flight Cancellations Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Tue Nov 11 2025 09:40:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Air travelers face heightened disruptions as the FAA mandates increased flight cancellations, affecting major U.S. airports already grappling with service interruptions amid staffing shortages due to the government shutdown.

Air traffic in the U.S. is experiencing more turmoil as the FAA mandates domestic airlines to cancel 6% of their flights at major airports due to an ongoing government shutdown. The situation has already resulted in over 7,900 flight cancellations since Friday. Controller shortages and adverse weather conditions are compounding delays at various airports, further complicating travel for countless passengers.

Air travelers could face heightened frustrations as busy U.S. airports need to adhere to a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) target, mandating a 6% reduction in flights starting Tuesday. This follows thousands of cancellations aimed at reducing demand on the aviation system during the ongoing government shutdown.

The FAA issued an order last week directing airlines to drop 4% of their flights at 40 major U.S. airports due to critical staffing shortages and increased stress among air traffic controllers. After more than 7,900 flights were canceled over the weekend, airlines now face a higher threshold for flight cancellations amid continued staffing issues.

The situation remains uncertain regarding the number of additional flights that will be canceled on Tuesday, with the average cancellation rate already surpassing FAA requirements, according to aviation analytics company Cirium. To further mitigate issues, the FAA has expanded flight restrictions, affecting many private flights and business jets.

Notable delays and cancellations have been reported across major airports, including a reported five-hour delay for arriving flights at Chicago O'Hare International Airport due to controller shortages and wintry weather conditions earlier in the day. The FAA warns of possible delays for flights departing to Phoenix, San Diego, New York, and Houston among other vital routes.

This increase in disruption follows the Senate's passage of legislation aimed at reopening the government, although final approval from the House is still pending. Meanwhile, Transportation SecretaryDuffy has indicated that flight cuts will persist until air traffic control staffing stabilizes.

As freezing weather looms, further delays and cancellations are expected, compounding the stress on both passengers and airline staff trying to navigate the turbulent landscape created by the shutdown. Many passengers have shared their personal experiences of canceled flights leading to missed family gatherings and consequential hardships.

Several advocacy groups have called for stricter measures against private jet travel during this crisis, as wealthy individuals continue to fly while the average American is left stranded and unable to visit loved ones.

Flight controllers are facing a cumulative press of increasing workloads and stress levels, with some calling in sick and others seeking secondary employment to cope financially during the shutdown.

With the continuation of controller absenteeism, the future of smooth air travel remains uncertain. Acknowledging the trend of retirement and resignation among controllers, industry experts voice concerns about the increased risk of fatigue and its implications on air traffic safety.