Airports Reducing Flights Amid Government Shutdown
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated airlines to cut 10% of their flights at 40 of the busiest airports nationwide. This move aims to ease the workload on air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown and maintain flight safety.
Impact and Timing
The flight reductions will begin on Friday. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines to confirm if their flights are affected.
Airports Affected
- Anchorage International, Alaska
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Georgia
- Boston Logan International, Massachusetts
- Baltimore/Washington International, Maryland
- Airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and others across the U.S.
The FAA is “forcing airlines to cut 10% of their flights at 40 of the busiest airports across the nation to reduce pressure on air traffic controllers” to ensure safe flying during the shutdown.
U.S. airlines began canceling hundreds of flights on Thursday due to this FAA order.
Visual Reports
An American Airlines plane was seen moving to a terminal at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago as operations adjusted to the new restrictions.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press
Author's summary: The FAA's required flight reductions at major U.S. airports during the government shutdown seek to maintain safety by easing air traffic controller workloads amid widespread cancellations.