Trump administration orders 10% cut in U.S. air traffic amid record shutdown

The Trump administration is ordering a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 major U.S. airports as the government shutdown extends into its 37th day — the longest in American history. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) say the move is necessary to ease pressure on air traffic controllers who have not received pay since mid-October.

According to The New York Times, airlines have been given just 36 hours to adjust their schedules before the measure takes effect on Friday, November 7, forcing the cancellation of thousands of flights — roughly 4,000 per day — at the start of the busy Thanksgiving travel period.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said the restrictions could be lifted if Congress reaches a deal to reopen the government. He blamed Democrats for prolonging the shutdown, while Democratic leaders countered that Republicans are responsible for refusing to negotiate over key healthcare funding provisions.

More than 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees are currently working without pay, prompting growing concerns over safety and staffing.

Airlines Respond

United Airlines said it will comply with the FAA directive, focusing its schedule reductions on regional and domestic flights that do not operate between its main hubs. In a message to employees, CEO Scott Kirby emphasized that safety remains the airline’s top priority:

“The FAA’s goal is to relieve pressure on the aviation system so that we can all continue to operate safely. That is the FAA’s highest priority, and ours as well,” Kirby wrote. “Even with these reductions, United and its United Express partners will still operate about 4,000 flights per day.”

United confirmed that long-haul international and hub-to-hub routes will remain unaffected. The airline also announced flexible rebooking options and full refunds — even for nonrefundable tickets — for customers who choose not to travel during this period.

American Airlines issued a similar statement, saying it is awaiting more details from the FAA but expects “the vast majority” of flights to continue as planned.

“Due to the ongoing government shutdown and nationwide air traffic control staffing shortages, the FAA has directed airlines to reduce flight schedules to maintain safe airspace operations beginning Friday, Nov. 7,” the company said. “We continue to urge leaders in Washington to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown.”